Executive Council's Report 2020

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2020 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2020

Bradley House 68 Coombe Road Kingston upon Thames Surrey KT2 7AE twitter: @fbunational website: www.fbu.org.uk

CREDIT: FRASER SMITH

20304 FBU Exec Council Rep 2020 COVER.indd 1 27/05/2020 15:36 Established 1 October 1918

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2020

President: Ian Murray Vice-president: Andy Noble General secretary: Matt Wrack Assistant general secretary: Andy Dark Treasurer: Jim Quinn

National ofﬁ cers: Dave Green Tam McFarlane Mark Rowe Sean Starbuck

Bradley House Telephone: 020 8541 1765 68 Coombe Road website: www.fbu.org.uk Kingston upon Thames email: ofﬁ [email protected] Surrey twitter: @fbunational KT2 7AE

FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2020 1

20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 1 27/05/2020 15:56 Established 1 October 1918

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2020

President: Ian Murray Vice-president: Andy Noble General secretary: Matt Wrack Assistant general secretary: Andy Dark Treasurer: Jim Quinn

National ofﬁ cers: Dave Green Tam McFarlane Mark Rowe Sean Starbuck

Bradley House Telephone: 020 8541 1765 68 Coombe Road website: www.fbu.org.uk Kingston upon Thames email: ofﬁ [email protected] Surrey twitter: @fbunational KT2 7AE

FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2020 1

20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 1 27/05/2020 15:56 CONTENTS

PRESIDENT’S INTRODUCTION ...... 7

SECTION A PAY AND CONDITIONS ...... 9 A1 Introduction ...... 9 A2 Annual report of the NJC independent chair 2018-19 ...... 10 A3 Pay rates and CPD payments ...... 15 A4 Pay: employers’ letter 4 March ...... 18 A5 Pay: consultative ballot ...... 19 A6 Pay: FBU conference ...... 19 A7 NJC pauses ‘broadening the role’ discussions ...... 19 A8 Pay award ...... 19 A9 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service ...... 20 A10 Technical Advisory Panel – Hereford and Worcester ...... 20 A11 Early May bank holiday 2020 ...... 20 A12 NJC – FBU and employers’ reps ...... 21 A13 Middle Managers Negotiating Body (MMNB) ...... 21

SECTION B PENSIONS ...... 23 B1 Introduction ...... 23 B2 Age discrimination – victory in the Supreme Court ...... 23 B3 Implications of the Supreme Court decision ...... 24 B4 Remedies hearing ...... 25 B5 Pensionable pay ...... 25 B6 Split pensions ...... 26

SECTION C OPERATIONS, HEALTH AND SAFETY ...... 29 C1 Introduction ...... 29 C2 FBU health and safety committee meetings ...... 29 C3 Fireﬁ ghters’ Memorial Day ...... 29 C4 FBU contaminants project ...... 30 C5 FBU contaminants project – Lancashire pilot ...... 30 C6 FBU contaminants project – UK-wide survey ...... 30 C7 FBU contaminants project – sampling...... 31 C8 Toxic chemicals ...... 31 C9 FBU mental health project ...... 31 C10 Mental health – commissioned research ...... 32 C11 MIND blue light project closed ...... 32 C12 Heat illness prevention ...... 32

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20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 2 27/05/2020 15:56 20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 3 27/05/2020 15:56 CONTENTS

PRESIDENT’S INTRODUCTION ...... 7

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20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 2 27/05/2020 15:56 20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 3 27/05/2020 15:56 SECTION D FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE POLICY ...... 33 SECTION G EDUCATION ...... 49 D1 Introduction ...... 33 G1 Introduction ...... 49 D2 Fire inspectorate in England (HMICFRS) ...... 33 G2 FBU trade union education strategy and programme ...... 49 D3 Approved Document B consultation ...... 34 G3 Introductory offer for branch and new brigade offi cials ...... 49 D4 Building Regulations consultation ...... 34 G4 Health, safety and welfare education ...... 50 D5 Fire Safety Order consultation ...... 35 G5 Progression for brigade and regional offi cials ...... 50 D6 Fire Standards Board ...... 35 G6 Section seminars and schools ...... 51 D7 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service strategic plan ...... 36 G7 Solidarity education ...... 51 G8 National school ...... 51 G9 Regional education and learning organisers (RELOs) ...... 52 SECTION E GOVERNMENT POLICY AND LEGISLATION ...... 37 G10 TUC education ...... 53 E1 Introduction ...... 37 G11 Union learning fund ...... 53 E2 Government responsibility for the fi re and rescue service – England ...... 37 E3 Government responsibility for the fi re and rescue service – Northern Ireland ...... 37 E4 Government responsibility for the fi re and rescue service – Scotland ...... 38 SECTION H EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS AT WORK ...... 55 E5 Government responsibility for the fi re and rescue service – Wales ...... 38 H1 Introduction ...... 55 E6 Local government settlement in England ...... 38 H2 Inclusive Fire Service Group (IFSG)...... 55 E7 Northern Ireland assembly ...... 38 H3 B&EMM section report ...... 55 E8 Scottish government...... 38 H4 LGBT section report ...... 56 E9 Welsh government ...... 39 H5 Women’s section report ...... 57 E10 Grenfell Tower public inquiry ...... 39 H6 ADAE representation requests ...... 58 E11 Police and crime commissioners in England ...... 40 E12 General election December 2019 ...... 40 E13 FBU parliamentary group ...... 40 SECTION I ACCIDENT AND INJURY FUND (AIF) ...... 59 E14 Trade Union Co-ordinating Group (TUCG) ...... 42 E15 Campaigning and lobbying ...... 42 SECTION J LEGAL REPORT...... 61 J1 Introduction ...... 61 SECTION F TRADE UNION AND LABOUR MOVEMENT ...... 43 J2 Grenfell Tower Inquiry ...... 61 F1 Introduction ...... 43 J3 Employment rights ...... 61 F2 TUC congress ...... 43 J4 Accidents at work ...... 62 F3 TUC black workers’ conference ...... 43 J5 Asbestos exposure ...... 64 F4 TUC LGBT conference ...... 44 J6 Personal injury ...... 64 F5 TUC women’s conference ...... 44 J7 Road traffi c accidents ...... 65 F6 ICTU biennial delegate conference ...... 44 F7 STUC congress ...... 44 F8 STUC women’s conference ...... 44 SECTION K ORGANISING AND MEMBERSHIP ...... 67 F9 STUC LGBT+ conference ...... 44 K1 Introduction ...... 67 F10 Wales TUC ...... 45 K2 Industrial disputes ...... 67 F11 Labour Party ...... 45 K3 Organising and recruitment...... 68 F12 Labour’s manifesto: fi re and rescue ...... 45 K4 Brigade organisers seminar ...... 68 F13 Party conferences...... 45 K5 CSNC section report ...... 69 F14 International solidarity ...... 46 K6 Retained section report ...... 69 F15 Affi liations ...... 46 K7 Offi cers’ section report ...... 70 F16 Blacklisting and police spying on unions ...... 46 K8 Membership services...... 71 F17 Truth about Zane campaign ...... 48 K9 Membership statistics ...... 72 F18 Care4Calais ...... 48 F19 Wider labour movement campaigning ...... 48

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20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 4 27/05/2020 15:56 20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 5 27/05/2020 15:56 SECTION D FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE POLICY ...... 33 SECTION G EDUCATION ...... 49 D1 Introduction ...... 33 G1 Introduction ...... 49 D2 Fire inspectorate in England (HMICFRS) ...... 33 G2 FBU trade union education strategy and programme ...... 49 D3 Approved Document B consultation ...... 34 G3 Introductory offer for branch and new brigade offi cials ...... 49 D4 Building Regulations consultation ...... 34 G4 Health, safety and welfare education ...... 50 D5 Fire Safety Order consultation ...... 35 G5 Progression for brigade and regional offi cials ...... 50 D6 Fire Standards Board ...... 35 G6 Section seminars and schools ...... 51 D7 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service strategic plan ...... 36 G7 Solidarity education ...... 51 G8 National school ...... 51 G9 Regional education and learning organisers (RELOs) ...... 52 SECTION E GOVERNMENT POLICY AND LEGISLATION ...... 37 G10 TUC education ...... 53 E1 Introduction ...... 37 G11 Union learning fund ...... 53 E2 Government responsibility for the fi re and rescue service – England ...... 37 E3 Government responsibility for the fi re and rescue service – Northern Ireland ...... 37 E4 Government responsibility for the fi re and rescue service – Scotland ...... 38 SECTION H EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS AT WORK ...... 55 E5 Government responsibility for the fi re and rescue service – Wales ...... 38 H1 Introduction ...... 55 E6 Local government settlement in England ...... 38 H2 Inclusive Fire Service Group (IFSG)...... 55 E7 Northern Ireland assembly ...... 38 H3 B&EMM section report ...... 55 E8 Scottish government...... 38 H4 LGBT section report ...... 56 E9 Welsh government ...... 39 H5 Women’s section report ...... 57 E10 Grenfell Tower public inquiry ...... 39 H6 ADAE representation requests ...... 58 E11 Police and crime commissioners in England ...... 40 E12 General election December 2019 ...... 40 E13 FBU parliamentary group ...... 40 SECTION I ACCIDENT AND INJURY FUND (AIF) ...... 59 E14 Trade Union Co-ordinating Group (TUCG) ...... 42 E15 Campaigning and lobbying ...... 42 SECTION J LEGAL REPORT...... 61 J1 Introduction ...... 61 SECTION F TRADE UNION AND LABOUR MOVEMENT ...... 43 J2 Grenfell Tower Inquiry ...... 61 F1 Introduction ...... 43 J3 Employment rights ...... 61 F2 TUC congress ...... 43 J4 Accidents at work ...... 62 F3 TUC black workers’ conference ...... 43 J5 Asbestos exposure ...... 64 F4 TUC LGBT conference ...... 44 J6 Personal injury ...... 64 F5 TUC women’s conference ...... 44 J7 Road traffi c accidents ...... 65 F6 ICTU biennial delegate conference ...... 44 F7 STUC congress ...... 44 F8 STUC women’s conference ...... 44 SECTION K ORGANISING AND MEMBERSHIP ...... 67 F9 STUC LGBT+ conference ...... 44 K1 Introduction ...... 67 F10 Wales TUC ...... 45 K2 Industrial disputes ...... 67 F11 Labour Party ...... 45 K3 Organising and recruitment...... 68 F12 Labour’s manifesto: fi re and rescue ...... 45 K4 Brigade organisers seminar ...... 68 F13 Party conferences...... 45 K5 CSNC section report ...... 69 F14 International solidarity ...... 46 K6 Retained section report ...... 69 F15 Affi liations ...... 46 K7 Offi cers’ section report ...... 70 F16 Blacklisting and police spying on unions ...... 46 K8 Membership services...... 71 F17 Truth about Zane campaign ...... 48 K9 Membership statistics ...... 72 F18 Care4Calais ...... 48 F19 Wider labour movement campaigning ...... 48

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20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 4 27/05/2020 15:56 20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 5 27/05/2020 15:56 SECTION L INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION ...... 75 L1 Introduction ...... 75 PRESIDENT’S INTRODUCTION L2 Executive council meetings ...... 75 L3 Executive council attendance record ...... 76 L4 Finance and administration committee ...... 77 L5 Elections...... 77 L6 Regional offi ces and offi cials ...... 79 L7 Retired offi cials ...... 86 Last year was about highs and lows. The end of a tough decade in which we’ve survived austerity and L8 Final appeals committee ...... 86 other attacks, but had optimism for a new era when we could turn the tide. A tremendous victory in our L9 Union trustees ...... 86 fi ght for fi refi ghters’ pensions, but then hopes dashed by a thumping majority for the Tories at the general L10 Political fund ...... 87 election. L11 Communications report ...... 87 L12 Research report ...... 88 Our members rightly see their pensions as deferred pay. We have to contribute some of our hard-earned L13 Red Plaque project ...... 88 wages to ensure we get a pension after retirement. Our employers pay into the scheme with money that L14 Firefi ghters 100 Lottery ...... 89 is ours. So when the Westminster government wanted to make fi refi ghters pay in more, work longer and L15 FBU online shop ...... 89 still get less, we had to fi ght. We took them on with strike action. We took them on at Westminster with our L16 Trade union release and conduct of senior offi cials ...... 89 lobbies. And we took them on in the courts.

Last year the Westminster government ran out of excuses at the High Court. They had to accept they SECTION M FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS ...... 91 cheated our members when they imposed the 2015 pension scheme. The FBU was the only union in the M1 Introduction ...... 91 fi re and rescue service that fought those changes. Our members were outraged, but we didn’t just grumble M2 Financial statement ...... 95 around the mess table – we campaigned, we took action and we fought. There is still a way to go before the fi refi ghters’ pension scheme is put right – but our union can be proud of our role in standing up for members. SECTION N OBITUARY...... 115 Westminster promised that the age of austerity is over, but our members know our service is still being cut. Politicians like to praise fi refi ghters when a large emergency incident is resolved and lives saved, but they still want to mess up our shift systems, utilise unsafe crewing levels and squeeze more out of the working week. Our members in Hereford and Worcester, Surrey and North Yorkshire have been at the sharp end of fi ghting so-called ‘reforms’ that are all about making our members work more for less. The solidarity of the whole union has to be with every brigade that decides to take action.

The Grenfell Tower public inquiry produced a blockbuster report that cannot pass without comment. Its recommendations were mild and reasonable. But the criticism of incident commanders, control staff and fi refi ghters cannot go unanswered. The lawyers said 200 residents could have been evacuated by 30 fi refi ghters. The union has taken this unfounded theory to pieces. The inquiry should concentrate on the real villains responsible for the Grenfell Tower fi re – the businesses and the politicians – who made the big decisions about the building and fi re policy in general.

The FBU had successes in the labour movement last year. We convinced the TUC to oppose all of the anti- union laws. We also worked with young activists to commit the Labour Party to a Green New Deal policy fi t to tackle the climate emergency. The Labour Party pledged serious investment and improvements to the fi re and rescue service in its election manifesto. Sadly, the Tories won the general election but the shadow front benches will continue to fi ght for the fi re service on our behalf.

It will fall to the FBU to take stock, learn the lessons and lead the fi ghtback for our members, our service and this country. The unions together make us strong. We need to refl ect, to organise and continue the fi ght. There is no other way.

Please note: The union’s conference booked for May 2020 was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The executive council decided to circulate this annual report as the record of the union’s activities for 2019.

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20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 6 27/05/2020 15:56 20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 7 27/05/2020 15:56 SECTION L INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION ...... 75 L1 Introduction ...... 75 PRESIDENT’S INTRODUCTION L2 Executive council meetings ...... 75 L3 Executive council attendance record ...... 76 L4 Finance and administration committee ...... 77 L5 Elections...... 77 L6 Regional offi ces and offi cials ...... 79 L7 Retired offi cials ...... 86 Last year was about highs and lows. The end of a tough decade in which we’ve survived austerity and L8 Final appeals committee ...... 86 other attacks, but had optimism for a new era when we could turn the tide. A tremendous victory in our L9 Union trustees ...... 86 fi ght for fi refi ghters’ pensions, but then hopes dashed by a thumping majority for the Tories at the general L10 Political fund ...... 87 election. L11 Communications report ...... 87 L12 Research report ...... 88 Our members rightly see their pensions as deferred pay. We have to contribute some of our hard-earned L13 Red Plaque project ...... 88 wages to ensure we get a pension after retirement. Our employers pay into the scheme with money that L14 Firefi ghters 100 Lottery ...... 89 is ours. So when the Westminster government wanted to make fi refi ghters pay in more, work longer and L15 FBU online shop ...... 89 still get less, we had to fi ght. We took them on with strike action. We took them on at Westminster with our L16 Trade union release and conduct of senior offi cials ...... 89 lobbies. And we took them on in the courts.

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20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 6 27/05/2020 15:56 20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 7 27/05/2020 15:56 8 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2020

20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 8 27/05/2020 15:56 SECTION A

PAY AND CONDITIONS

A1 INTRODUCTION

The FBU negotiates on fi refi ghters’ pay, terms and conditions through the National Joint Council (NJC) and some terms and conditions through the Middle Managers Negotiating Body (MMNB). The union supports UK-wide pay and conditions bargaining and the ‘Grey Book’ as the best means to achieve improvements for all fi refi ghters, regardless of role or duty system.

During the year, Professor Lynette Harris from Nottingham Trent University chaired the NJC and MMNB and her ﬁ rst report is below.

The executive council continued to campaign on fi refi ghters’ pay throughout the year. In March, the employers wrote to the FBU with a proposal of a “non-exhaustive” list of expanded fi refi ghters’ roles, in return for a pay rise of 13.5% over three years, subject to government funding. This was emphatically rejected by 97% in an FBU members’ consultative ballot. The union’s strategy to negotiate on broadening the role was also confi rmed in the consultative ballot by 86%.

The FBU discussed pay at a brigade ofﬁ cials meeting in March and at FBU conference in May. With no progress at Westminster regarding funding, the NJC decided to pause discussions on broadening the role. The employers offered a 2% increase on NJC rates of pay and CPD, which was implemented.

The FBU also held discussions with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) on pay and conditions. An initial offer in June was strongly rejected by FBU members in Scotland. A revised proposal was made in December, but the executive council and Scottish FBU ofﬁ cials concluded that it was not acceptable and recommended rejection.

FBU ofﬁ cials were able to resolve other important pay and conditions matters during the year, such as the early May bank holiday.

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20304 FBU Intro pages Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 8 27/05/2020 15:56 20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 9 21/05/2020 11:50 Broadening the role negotiation in general A2 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NJC INDEPENDENT CHAIR 2018-19 4. This has been a very complex negotiation which has continued into this year. Its aim is to ensure that there is a pay framework alongside terms and conditions in the fi re and rescue service which refl ect the Background responsibilities of, and current and future demands on, the service and the profession. It was agreed The National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services (NJC), including the Middle that it would include: Managers Negotiating Body (MMNB), is the body responsible for the supervision, from a national point • the increasing need to consider how the workforce’s skills and commitment can best be utilised, of view, of all questions affecting the conditions of service of employees (other than those in Brigade including the type of activities undertaken, any additional functions that may be required and the Management roles) of fi re and rescue services established under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 implications of this for the nationally agreed rolemaps. (for England and Wales), Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) • the potential to build upon, and expand, this piece of work to encompass a more wide-ranging and Order 2006. strategic look to the future taking into account matters of interest in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The NJC handles issues that affect all employees from fi refi ghter to area manager. The MMNB has plenary powers to deal with issues which affect employees solely in the roles of station manager to area manager. 5. The work has been informed by the deliberations of fi ve workstream groups, each of which considered a broad category of fi re service activity: The principal purpose is to reach agreement on a national framework of pay and conditions for local • Environmental challenges application throughout the fi re and rescue service in the United Kingdom. The NJC and MMNB are • Emergency medical response committed to the local democratic control of fi re and rescue services to the community. • Multi agency emergency response • Youth and other social engagement work The parties to the negotiation are the Employers’ Side comprising representatives of the Local Government • Inspections and enforcement Association, Welsh Local Government Association, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Board. The Employees’ Side comprises representatives of the 6. Taking this forward in more detail much work has been done this year through a number of Technical Fire Brigades Union and, for the MMNB, the Fire Brigades Union and the Fire Offi cers Association. Working Groups looking in particular at technical issues connected with work in respect of emergency medical response, work in the warm zone at terrorist incidents and how to ensure any national deal An Independent Chair oversees the work of the National Joint Council and the Middle Managers Negotiating is best enacted in general at local level. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to that Body and is supported by two Vice-Chairs. Vice-Chair appointments alternate between the Sides on an substantial body of work. annual basis. 7. Jointly and separately, a substantial amount of time has also been spent in discussion with governments, For this year Ian Murray serves as Vice Chair of the NJC and Cllr Nick Chard as Vice Chair of the Middle meeting with Ministers and offi cials, to support the need for additional funding. Managers Negotiating Body. 8. The joint Scoping Group continued to meet to develop the detail of any potential agreement. Discussion The Independent Chair works closely with the Joint Secretariat, which is currently provided by the Local has remained constructive. Government Association and the Fire Brigades Union. 9. However, in July it became clear attaining additional funding across the UK was becoming even more The membership of the National Joint Council and the Middle Managers Negotiating Body during 2018/19 complicated. As such the statement below was agreed: is attached to this report. “A further period of intense negotiation has now taken place. It is clear that the hypothetical nature of some of the elements of future pay awards continues to Introduction be a major obstacle. More recently this has been exacerbated by expected delay issues around the In my fi rst year as the Independent Chair of the NJC a considerable amount of work has been carried out Spending Review. by Members and Joint Secretaries. The main issues are outlined in this Annual Report, which covers the This isn’t going to be resolved quickly. Therefore the NJC has agreed to pause the national broadening period from 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019. the role negotiation at this time. Both sides are still committed to the principles of broadening the role. The NJC is a UK-wide body and discussions, through the auspices of the NJC, can also take What do we do? place with the constituent parts of the UK. That has been the case in Scotland for example where the 1. The National Joint Council provides: position on funding is more advanced. That remains the case. a) The national negotiating machinery for the pay and conditions of service of uniformed fi re service The employers intend to respond to the employees’ side before the end of the month on the matter employees in the United Kingdom. of the pay award for the settlement year 2019/20.” b) The services of the respective side Secretariats in assisting parties at local level to resolve areas of disagreement. Pay c) The services of the respective side Secretariats in assisting parties at local level in the interpretation 10. Whilst negotiations are paused, both sides agreed to address the issue of pay for the settlement year of the national scheme of conditions of employment and the fl exibilities contained therein. 2019/20. The National Employers wrote to the employees’ side in August setting out an offer of a 2% uplift in pay as the most that could be afforded for the settlement year 2019/20. Both sides agreed Meeting dates in 2018 - 2019 in September, following a period of employee consultation, to implement that uplift of 2.0% on basic 2. The National Joint Council met on three occasions: 2 October 2018, 19 February and 11 June 2019. salaries and continual professional development payments with effect from 1 July 2019. The Middle Managers Negotiating Body also met on those dates. A number of issues were considered and reports from the Independent Chair were approved. The Treasurer’s Report for the year to 31 Inclusive Fire Service Group March 2018 was approved at the AGM meeting of 2 October 2018. 11. The NJC has a continuing commitment to improvement of equality, diversity and cultural issues in the fi re service. Issues under consideration during 2018 – 2019 3. Issues under consideration by the National Joint Council and, as appropriate, the Middle Managers 12. The membership of this NJC-led group involves a number of other interested parties within the fi re Negotiating Body, on which there were written and oral reports from the Joint Secretaries, included: service including the National Fire Chiefs Council, Fire and Rescue Services Association and Fire Offi cers Association. It has also engaged with wider special interest groups.

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 10 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 11 21/05/2020 11:50 Broadening the role negotiation in general A2 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NJC INDEPENDENT CHAIR 2018-19 4. This has been a very complex negotiation which has continued into this year. Its aim is to ensure that there is a pay framework alongside terms and conditions in the fi re and rescue service which refl ect the Background responsibilities of, and current and future demands on, the service and the profession. It was agreed The National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services (NJC), including the Middle that it would include: Managers Negotiating Body (MMNB), is the body responsible for the supervision, from a national point • the increasing need to consider how the workforce’s skills and commitment can best be utilised, of view, of all questions affecting the conditions of service of employees (other than those in Brigade including the type of activities undertaken, any additional functions that may be required and the Management roles) of fi re and rescue services established under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 implications of this for the nationally agreed rolemaps. (for England and Wales), Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) • the potential to build upon, and expand, this piece of work to encompass a more wide-ranging and Order 2006. strategic look to the future taking into account matters of interest in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The NJC handles issues that affect all employees from fi refi ghter to area manager. The MMNB has plenary powers to deal with issues which affect employees solely in the roles of station manager to area manager. 5. The work has been informed by the deliberations of fi ve workstream groups, each of which considered a broad category of fi re service activity: The principal purpose is to reach agreement on a national framework of pay and conditions for local • Environmental challenges application throughout the fi re and rescue service in the United Kingdom. The NJC and MMNB are • Emergency medical response committed to the local democratic control of fi re and rescue services to the community. • Multi agency emergency response • Youth and other social engagement work The parties to the negotiation are the Employers’ Side comprising representatives of the Local Government • Inspections and enforcement Association, Welsh Local Government Association, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Board and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Board. The Employees’ Side comprises representatives of the 6. Taking this forward in more detail much work has been done this year through a number of Technical Fire Brigades Union and, for the MMNB, the Fire Brigades Union and the Fire Offi cers Association. Working Groups looking in particular at technical issues connected with work in respect of emergency medical response, work in the warm zone at terrorist incidents and how to ensure any national deal An Independent Chair oversees the work of the National Joint Council and the Middle Managers Negotiating is best enacted in general at local level. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to that Body and is supported by two Vice-Chairs. Vice-Chair appointments alternate between the Sides on an substantial body of work. annual basis. 7. Jointly and separately, a substantial amount of time has also been spent in discussion with governments, For this year Ian Murray serves as Vice Chair of the NJC and Cllr Nick Chard as Vice Chair of the Middle meeting with Ministers and offi cials, to support the need for additional funding. Managers Negotiating Body. 8. The joint Scoping Group continued to meet to develop the detail of any potential agreement. Discussion The Independent Chair works closely with the Joint Secretariat, which is currently provided by the Local has remained constructive. Government Association and the Fire Brigades Union. 9. However, in July it became clear attaining additional funding across the UK was becoming even more The membership of the National Joint Council and the Middle Managers Negotiating Body during 2018/19 complicated. As such the statement below was agreed: is attached to this report. “A further period of intense negotiation has now taken place. It is clear that the hypothetical nature of some of the elements of future pay awards continues to Introduction be a major obstacle. More recently this has been exacerbated by expected delay issues around the In my fi rst year as the Independent Chair of the NJC a considerable amount of work has been carried out Spending Review. by Members and Joint Secretaries. The main issues are outlined in this Annual Report, which covers the This isn’t going to be resolved quickly. Therefore the NJC has agreed to pause the national broadening period from 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019. the role negotiation at this time. Both sides are still committed to the principles of broadening the role. The NJC is a UK-wide body and discussions, through the auspices of the NJC, can also take What do we do? place with the constituent parts of the UK. That has been the case in Scotland for example where the 1. The National Joint Council provides: position on funding is more advanced. That remains the case. a) The national negotiating machinery for the pay and conditions of service of uniformed fi re service The employers intend to respond to the employees’ side before the end of the month on the matter employees in the United Kingdom. of the pay award for the settlement year 2019/20.” b) The services of the respective side Secretariats in assisting parties at local level to resolve areas of disagreement. Pay c) The services of the respective side Secretariats in assisting parties at local level in the interpretation 10. Whilst negotiations are paused, both sides agreed to address the issue of pay for the settlement year of the national scheme of conditions of employment and the fl exibilities contained therein. 2019/20. The National Employers wrote to the employees’ side in August setting out an offer of a 2% uplift in pay as the most that could be afforded for the settlement year 2019/20. Both sides agreed Meeting dates in 2018 - 2019 in September, following a period of employee consultation, to implement that uplift of 2.0% on basic 2. The National Joint Council met on three occasions: 2 October 2018, 19 February and 11 June 2019. salaries and continual professional development payments with effect from 1 July 2019. The Middle Managers Negotiating Body also met on those dates. A number of issues were considered and reports from the Independent Chair were approved. The Treasurer’s Report for the year to 31 Inclusive Fire Service Group March 2018 was approved at the AGM meeting of 2 October 2018. 11. The NJC has a continuing commitment to improvement of equality, diversity and cultural issues in the fi re service. Issues under consideration during 2018 – 2019 3. Issues under consideration by the National Joint Council and, as appropriate, the Middle Managers 12. The membership of this NJC-led group involves a number of other interested parties within the fi re Negotiating Body, on which there were written and oral reports from the Joint Secretaries, included: service including the National Fire Chiefs Council, Fire and Rescue Services Association and Fire Offi cers Association. It has also engaged with wider special interest groups.

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 10 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 11 21/05/2020 11:50 13. The group identifi ed a number of practical strategies designed to lead to improvements at local level. Joint Secretariat - Local Conciliation The strategies published in summer 2017 were very well received. Responses from FRAs stating 27. In circumstances where discussion has been exhausted without agreement on an issue, or issues, at support, current and future actions were analysed and an overview report was provided to all interested local level the Joint Secretariat when requested by both parties to do so can provide a confi dential parties. These improvement strategies should now have had suffi cient time to embed. Therefore, it is conciliation process in order to assist the parties in identifying a mutually agreeable outcome. time to go back out to services to assess the implementation and impact of these strategies. Work on a survey has now begun and a report will be circulated in due course. The group will also be mindful 28. The Joint Secretariat has a very good record of assisting the parties to either reach agreement at the of the assessments of HMICFRS on such matters (in England). time of conciliation or to develop the basis of an agreement which leads to a resolution following further discussion shortly afterwards at local level. 14. The group has also worked with the Home Offi ce as it developed its on-call (RDS) National Awareness Campaign. Feedback on the campaign is that it has been very successful. 29. Over the past year conciliations have taken place with 4 services, covering 11 issues.

Part-Time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations: progress regarding Resolution Advisory Panel (RAP) implementation of the Employment Tribunal settlement agreement 30. The Scheme of Conditions of Service Negotiation Procedure contains a number of options that local 15. Settlement payments have all been actioned and where linked to Employment Tribunal cases such parties can explore to facilitate resolution to local issues where negotiation at local level has been cases have been withdrawn. exhausted. One of those options is the NJC’s

16. In cases where an individual could not be found or has not responded to any communication, the Resolution Advisory Panel whose remit is to endeavour to facilitate an agreement between the parties Tribunal is in the process of being advised that the union has withdrawn its support. Once that has but where that is not possible the Independent Chair will make a recommendation based upon the concluded, the respective FRA will apply for the affected employment tribunal case/s to be struck out. positions presented and discussed during the course of the meeting and which he believes can form the basis of an agreement. 17. This long-running legal case has evidenced the ability of the National Joint Council to secure agreement and effectively administer the outcome including in a legal context. 31. I am sad to report the recent death of Professor William Brown who was the Independent Chair of the Resolution Advisory Panel for a number of years. His work in the industrial relations and labour General Joint Secretariat Activity economics fi elds were exceptional and he will be sorely missed. 18. Issues under negotiation within the NJC are in the main progressed through the Joint Secretariat acting within the remit of its respective Sides. Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) 32. The NJC also operates a Technical Advisory Panel which can consider whether or not a new duty 19. On occasion lead members from each Side of the NJC/MMNB may meet outside of the usual round system proposed at local level refl ects the principles contained in Section 4 of the Scheme of Conditions of larger meetings. of Service (Grey Book) where it has not been possible to reach an agreement on its introduction. As with RAP, the Technical Advisory Panel endeavours to facilitate an agreement between the parties, 20. The Joint Secretariat normally meets formally every four to six weeks to exchange information and to but where that is not possible the Independent Chair can, in addition to commenting on the extent progress negotiations. These meetings are also an opportunity for either side to identify potential local of compliance with the principles, recommend a proposal that he believes may form the basis of an industrial relations fl ashpoints and subsequently to raise those concerns with the local management or agreement. union side as appropriate. 33. The NJC’s Technical Advisory Panel, which is comprised of an Independent Chair and the Joint 21. The Joint Secretariat leads discussion in National Joint Council working parties which informs Secretaries, met twice during 2018/19 working with two fi re and rescue services. negotiations and respective Side positions, as appropriate. 34. The current Independent Chair of the TAP is Mr Steve Hodder. 22. The Joint Secretariat also leads discussion in the sub-Committee on changes to rolemaps and national occupational standards and the joint Scoping Group in connection with the negotiation on broadening Circulars the role. 35. A number of circulars have been issued since the last report of the Independent Chair:

23. When jointly requested to do so, the Joint Secretariat also works with parties at local level who wish to NJC/7/18 Cumbria FRS TAP Report explore their current industrial relations relationship with a view to seeking improvement. This involves NJC/1/19 Hereford & Worcester FRS TAP Report a full day session working with key local management and union representatives. This year we have NJC/2/19 Pay & Broadening the Role Update worked with 3 services. NJC/3/19 Revised Pay rates

24. The Joint Secretariat has handled a considerable number of requests from local parties seeking NJC/4/19 Revised Continual Professional Development rates interpretation or clariﬁ cation of Scheme of Conditions of Service issues or early informal assistance where a matter is likely to prove difﬁ cult to resolve at local level. Conclusion 36. There are several aspects to the role of Independent Chair. This year it has involved: 25. The Joint Secretariat has this year supported a service in resolving a broad range of issues to help • chairing of NJC and MMNB meetings resolve a Trade Dispute. • consideration, with the Joint Secretaries, of items due for discussion through the NJC and/or MMNB at those meetings 26. In addition to the above, the Joint Secretariat has a formal conciliation role when requested by both • ensuring the NJC and MMNB are each aware of the work of the other and that an opportunity for parties at local level to assist in resolution of local disagreements. comment is provided. • raising issues relating to how the formal business of NJC/MMNB meetings is handled with Joint Secretaries as appropriate • provision of this annual report

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 12 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 13 21/05/2020 11:50 13. The group identifi ed a number of practical strategies designed to lead to improvements at local level. Joint Secretariat - Local Conciliation The strategies published in summer 2017 were very well received. Responses from FRAs stating 27. In circumstances where discussion has been exhausted without agreement on an issue, or issues, at support, current and future actions were analysed and an overview report was provided to all interested local level the Joint Secretariat when requested by both parties to do so can provide a confi dential parties. These improvement strategies should now have had suffi cient time to embed. Therefore, it is conciliation process in order to assist the parties in identifying a mutually agreeable outcome. time to go back out to services to assess the implementation and impact of these strategies. Work on a survey has now begun and a report will be circulated in due course. The group will also be mindful 28. The Joint Secretariat has a very good record of assisting the parties to either reach agreement at the of the assessments of HMICFRS on such matters (in England). time of conciliation or to develop the basis of an agreement which leads to a resolution following further discussion shortly afterwards at local level. 14. The group has also worked with the Home Offi ce as it developed its on-call (RDS) National Awareness Campaign. Feedback on the campaign is that it has been very successful. 29. Over the past year conciliations have taken place with 4 services, covering 11 issues.

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 12 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 13 21/05/2020 11:50 37. It is a privilege to have followed Professor Linda Dickens in the role of Independent Chair of the National Joint Council and the Middle Managers Negotiating Body from October last year. It quickly became A3 PAY RATES AND CPD PAYMENTS apparent to me that that the formal meetings of the NJC and MMNB are the culmination of a great deal of hard work undertaken by the Joint Secretaries, their colleagues, work stream groups and other joint New pay rates were published in the FBU’s all members circular (2019HOC0444MW) and are included in working parties. I should like to take this opportunity to thank all the parties involved in these activities this report for the record (circular NJC/3/19). for their work over the past year.

38. The NJC has had a challenging year with a great deal of time being subsumed by the complex and FIREFIGHTING ROLES – PAY RATES FROM 1 JULY 2019 extensive negotiations that have taken place over pay and broadening the role of the fi refi ghter. These ongoing negotiations have been particularly demanding in a context of funding uncertainty and the Basic annual £ Basic hourly rate £ Overtime rate £ wider challenges presented by an unpredictable political environment. The efforts of all those involved Firefi ghter in progressing these negotiations are to be commended. Trainee 23,366 10.67 16.01 39. The time consuming nature of these negotiations has meant that has not been possible to hold an Development 24,339 11.11 16.67 ‘away day’ this year. I do hope that there may be the opportunity to hold such an event next year with Competent 31,144 14.22 21.33 the aim of encouraging broader discussion and wider engagement outside the formal business of the NJC. Crew Manager Development 33,101 15.11 22.67 40. It is noted that this year the Joint Secretariat has been asked by three services to work with management Competent 34,528 15.77 23.66 and trade union representatives to improve industrial relations at a local level. This is another example of the ongoing ‘behind the scenes’ activity that can make a positive difference but has less visibility Watch Manager than the matters reported at the formal meetings of the NJC and MMNB. Development 35,275 16.11 24.17 Competent A 36,255 16.55 24.83 41. As a newly appointed chair there was a need to develop my knowledge and understanding of the work of the Fire and Rescue Services and I have particularly welcomed two highly informative visits, one to Competent B 38,611 17.63 26.45 the Scottish Fire Service and the other to the London Fire Brigade. Two further such visits are in the Station Manager process of being arranged. Development 40,161 18.34 27.51

42. Lastly, I should like to express thanks and appreciation to Simon Pannell for his valued contribution Competent A 41,367 18.89 28.34 during his seven years as the Employer’s Secretary and wish him well in his retirement. Competent B 44,297 20.23 30.35 Group Manager Development 46,254 21.12 Not applicable Competent A 47,641 21.75 Not applicable Competent B 51,275 23.41 Not applicable Area Manager Development 64,303 24.79 Not applicable Competent A 55,930 25.54 Not applicable Competent B 59,565 27.20 Not applicable

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 14 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 15 21/05/2020 11:50 37. It is a privilege to have followed Professor Linda Dickens in the role of Independent Chair of the National Joint Council and the Middle Managers Negotiating Body from October last year. It quickly became A3 PAY RATES AND CPD PAYMENTS apparent to me that that the formal meetings of the NJC and MMNB are the culmination of a great deal of hard work undertaken by the Joint Secretaries, their colleagues, work stream groups and other joint New pay rates were published in the FBU’s all members circular (2019HOC0444MW) and are included in working parties. I should like to take this opportunity to thank all the parties involved in these activities this report for the record (circular NJC/3/19). for their work over the past year.

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 14 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 15 21/05/2020 11:50 FIREFIGHTING ROLES – PAY RATES FROM 1 JULY 2019 (RETAINED DUTY SYSTEM) CONTROL SPECIFIC ROLES – PAY RATES FROM 1 JULY 2019

(1) £ per annum (2) £ per annum (3) £ per hour (4) £ per occasion Basic annual* £ Basic hourly rate £ Overtime rate £ Firefi ghter Firefi ghter (Control) Trainee 2,337 1,168 10.67 4.10 Trainee 22,198 10.14 15.21 Development 2,434 1,217 11.11 4.10 Development 23,122 10.56 15.84 Competent 3,114 1,557 14.22 4.10 Competent 29,587 13.51 20.27 Crew Manager Crew Manager (Control) Development 3,310 1,655 15.11 4.10 Development 31,446 14.36 21.54 Competent 3,453 1,726 15.77 4.10 Competent 32,802 14.98 22.47 Watch Manager Watch Manager (Control) Development 3,528 1,764 16.11 4.10 Development 33,511 15.30 22.95 Competent A 3,626 1,813 16.55 4.10 Competent A 34,442 15.73 23.60 Competent B 3,861 1,931 17.63 4.10 Competent B 36,680 16.75 25.13 Station Manager Station Manager (Control) Development 4,016 2,008 18.34 4.10 Development 38,153 17.42 26.13 Competent A 4,137 2,068 18.89 4.10 Competent A 39,299 17.94 26.91 Competent B 4,430 2,215 20.23 4.10 Competent B 42,082 19.22 28.83 Group Manager Group Manager (Control) Development 4,625 2,313 21.12 4.10 Development 43,941 20.06 Not applicable Competent A 4,764 2,382 21.75 4.10 Competent A 45,259 20.67 Not applicable Competent B 5,128 2,564 23.41 4.10 Competent B 48,711 22.24 Not applicable Area Manager *(95% of the respective fi refi ghting role basic annual salary, as set out in Appendix A) Development 5,430 2,715 24.79 4.10 Competent A 5,593 2,797 25.54 4.10 NON-OPERATIONAL STAFF – PAY RATES FROM 1 JULY 2019 Competent B 5,957 2,978 27.20 4.10 £ per annum Column 1 shows the full annual retainer (10% of the full-time basic annual salary, as set out in Appendix A). Fire Control Operator equivalent Column 2 shows the retainer for employees on the day crewing duty system (5% of the full-time. basic During fi rst six months 19,901 annual salary, as set out in Appendix A). After six months and during 2nd year 20,783 Column 3 shows the hourly rate for work undertaken. Column 4 shows the disturbance payment per call-out. During 3rd year 21,769 During 4th year 22,840 During 5th year 24,876 Leading Fire Control Operator equivalent 26,640 Senior Fire Control Operator equivalent During 1st year in rank 27,323 During 2nd year in rank 28,359

JUNIOR FIREFIGHTERS – PAY RATES FROM 1 JULY 2019

£ per annum Aged 16 10,810 Aged 17 11,615 Aged 18 23,366

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 16 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 17 21/05/2020 11:50 FIREFIGHTING ROLES – PAY RATES FROM 1 JULY 2019 (RETAINED DUTY SYSTEM) CONTROL SPECIFIC ROLES – PAY RATES FROM 1 JULY 2019

JUNIOR FIREFIGHTERS – PAY RATES FROM 1 JULY 2019

£ per annum Aged 16 10,810 Aged 17 11,615 Aged 18 23,366

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 16 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 17 21/05/2020 11:50 CONTINUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) PAYMENTS FROM 1 JULY 2019 A5 PAY: CONSULTATIVE BALLOT Fire authority CPD (£) Fire authority CPD (£) On 12 March the executive council announced a consultative ballot of all FBU members in response Avon 762 London 946 to proposals from the fi re service employers on pay and conditions (2019HOC0173MW). The pay and Bedfordshire & Luton 671 Merseyside 721 conditions consultative ballot opened on 18 March and closed on 8 April (HOC20190183MW). Buckinghamshire 580 Mid and West Wales 634 Cambridgeshire 594 Norfolk 625 A brigade offi cials meeting was organised for 21 March at the NEC Birmingham to discuss the pay Cheshire 768 Northern Ireland 649 proposals and consultative ballot (2019HOC0188DG). Cleveland 979 Northamptonshire 680 The result of the ballot was announced on 11 April. Turnout was 58% (2019HOC0223DG). Members Cornwall 309 Northumberland 830 agreed: Cumbria 533 North Wales 641 • 97% that the employers’ offer was unacceptable Derbyshire 793 North Yorkshire 473 • 86% that the FBU conference policy on broadening the role should continue. Devon and Somerset 565 Nottinghamshire 949 Dorset and Wiltshire 714 Oxfordshire 706 Durham and Darlington 866 Royal Berkshire 709 A6 PAY: FBU CONFERENCE East Sussex 560 Scotland 826 Essex 611 Shropshire 698 FBU conference continued the discussions on pay. Two key decisions were to support emergency Gloucestershire 385 South Wales 666 resolutions from the executive council and from Cambridgeshire (2019HOC0278MW). Greater Manchester 929 South Yorkshire 1039 Hampshire 662 Staffordshire 715 Hereford & Worcester 696 Suffolk 407 A7 NJC PAUSES ‘BROADENING THE ROLE’ DISCUSSIONS Hertfordshire 741 Surrey 732 Humberside 725 Tyne & Wear 1001 At the NJC meeting in June, the FBU pushed employers to make an offer on pay. It became clear that central government would not at that time be addressing any case for additional funding for the fi re and Isle of Wight 329 Warwickshire 599 rescue service. Kent 652 West Midlands 966 Lancashire 726 West Sussex 528 In July, both sides agreed that there was no point continuing with ‘hypothetical’ pay proposals from the Leicestershire 677 West Yorkshire 882 employers. Therefore, it was agreed that these discussions would be paused. NJC circular NJC 02/19 set Lincolnshire 397 out the decision (2019HOC0371MW).

CPD payments were published in circular NJC/4/19 and in the FBU’s all members circular (2019HOC0444MW), after negotiations at the NJC. A8 PAY AWARD

On 29 July, the employers offered a 2% pay increase on NJC rates of pay and CPD (2019HOC0391MW). A4 PAY: EMPLOYERS’ LETTER 4 MARCH After consultation with members, the executive council decided in September that the 2% pay award should be implemented (2019HOC0444MW). The union agreed to take further steps to campaign for a In October 2018, the FBU wrote to fi re and rescue service employers through the NJC registering a pay decent pay increase for fi refi ghters. claim of 17% relating to potential additional roles. The FBU raised the matter for discussion at the NJC meeting on 19 February 2019.

On 4 March 2019 the employers wrote to the FBU with a proposal for a draft agreement.

The executive council met on 5 March and identiﬁ ed many ﬂ aws with the employers’ proposal. In particular the employers proposed a “non-exhaustive” list of additional responsibilities, with a pay rise of 13.57% over three years, subject to additional funding from governments.

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 18 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 19 21/05/2020 11:50 CONTINUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) PAYMENTS FROM 1 JULY 2019 A5 PAY: CONSULTATIVE BALLOT Fire authority CPD (£) Fire authority CPD (£) On 12 March the executive council announced a consultative ballot of all FBU members in response Avon 762 London 946 to proposals from the fi re service employers on pay and conditions (2019HOC0173MW). The pay and Bedfordshire & Luton 671 Merseyside 721 conditions consultative ballot opened on 18 March and closed on 8 April (HOC20190183MW). Buckinghamshire 580 Mid and West Wales 634 Cambridgeshire 594 Norfolk 625 A brigade offi cials meeting was organised for 21 March at the NEC Birmingham to discuss the pay Cheshire 768 Northern Ireland 649 proposals and consultative ballot (2019HOC0188DG). Cleveland 979 Northamptonshire 680 The result of the ballot was announced on 11 April. Turnout was 58% (2019HOC0223DG). Members Cornwall 309 Northumberland 830 agreed: Cumbria 533 North Wales 641 • 97% that the employers’ offer was unacceptable Derbyshire 793 North Yorkshire 473 • 86% that the FBU conference policy on broadening the role should continue. Devon and Somerset 565 Nottinghamshire 949 Dorset and Wiltshire 714 Oxfordshire 706 Durham and Darlington 866 Royal Berkshire 709 A6 PAY: FBU CONFERENCE East Sussex 560 Scotland 826 Essex 611 Shropshire 698 FBU conference continued the discussions on pay. Two key decisions were to support emergency Gloucestershire 385 South Wales 666 resolutions from the executive council and from Cambridgeshire (2019HOC0278MW). Greater Manchester 929 South Yorkshire 1039 Hampshire 662 Staffordshire 715 Hereford & Worcester 696 Suffolk 407 A7 NJC PAUSES ‘BROADENING THE ROLE’ DISCUSSIONS Hertfordshire 741 Surrey 732 Humberside 725 Tyne & Wear 1001 At the NJC meeting in June, the FBU pushed employers to make an offer on pay. It became clear that central government would not at that time be addressing any case for additional funding for the fi re and Isle of Wight 329 Warwickshire 599 rescue service. Kent 652 West Midlands 966 Lancashire 726 West Sussex 528 In July, both sides agreed that there was no point continuing with ‘hypothetical’ pay proposals from the Leicestershire 677 West Yorkshire 882 employers. Therefore, it was agreed that these discussions would be paused. NJC circular NJC 02/19 set Lincolnshire 397 out the decision (2019HOC0371MW).

CPD payments were published in circular NJC/4/19 and in the FBU’s all members circular (2019HOC0444MW), after negotiations at the NJC. A8 PAY AWARD

On 4 March 2019 the employers wrote to the FBU with a proposal for a draft agreement.

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 18 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 19 21/05/2020 11:50 A9 SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE A12 NJC – FBU AND EMPLOYERS’ REPS

During the year FBU representatives, through the auspices of the NJC, held a number of discussions with Employees’ side Employers’ side the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) on pay and conditions (2019HOC0621MW). On 13 June the Fire Brigades Union Local Government Association (LGA) SFRS made a proposal, which was strongly opposed by FBU members across Scotland. These concerns Simon Amos (to June) Phil McDonald (from June) Keith Aspden Rebecca Knox included: Andy Dark Andy Noble Nick Chard Roger Phillips • lack of clarity over long term sustainable funding Paul Embery (to June) Peter Preston John Edwards Ian Stephens • the proposed levels of pay and the link to additional work activity • the loss of Additional Responsibility Allowances Cerith Grifﬁ ths (from June) Jim Quinn Mark Healey Sian Timoney • the introduction of work relating to health and social care (non-medical falls response) Richard Jones Lynda Rowan-O’Neill Judith Hughes (to May) Fiona Twycross • the capacity of SFRS to deliver training required to support the broadening role. Grant Mayos (to June) Les Skarrats Chris McGlone Pete Smith (from June) Scottish FRS Welsh LGA In December the SFRS sent the FBU a revised proposal. On 17 December the executive council: • recommended rejection of the proposal in its current form (2019HOC0669MW) Ian Murray Matt Wrack Kirsty Darwent David Poole • agreed that Scottish members would be consulted via the FBU structure Bill McQueen • agreed that a home-address ballot on the proposal amongst Scottish members would be conducted in early 2020 Northern Ireland FRS • agreed that the proposal would also be discussed with all members in Northern Ireland, Wales and Carmel McKinney England.

The Scottish regional committee considered the proposal and agreed to recommend rejection of the Scottish employer’s proposal. A13 MIDDLE MANAGERS NEGOTIATING BODY (MMNB)

Employees’ side Employers’ side A10 TECHNICAL ADVISORY PANEL – HEREFORD AND WORCESTER Fire Brigades Union Local Government Association (LGA) Mark Ames Chris McGlone Keith Aspden Rebecca Knox The NJC’s Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) is a mechanism for resolving disputes when local agreement Simon Amos (to June) Dermot McPoland Nick Chard Roger Phillips cannot be reached between the ﬁ re and rescue authority and the recognised trade union. Steve Hodder, (from June) who is assisted by the joint secretaries, currently chairs the panel. Andy Dark Ian Murray John Edwards Ian Stephens In January the union published NJC circular, NJC/1/19, concerning the Technical Advisory Panel meeting Trevor French Andy Noble Mark Healey Sian Timoney about Hereford and Worcester’s proposed ten hour day duty system (2019HOC0023AD). Amongst other Cerith Grifﬁ ths (from June) Jim Quinn Judith Hughes (to May) Fiona Twycross matters, the chair raised concerns about management’s equality impact assessment. Richard Jones Lynda Rowan-O’Neill Grant Mayos (to June) Mark Watson Scottish FRS Welsh LGA Phil McDonald Matt Wrack Kirsty Darwent David Poole A11 EARLY MAY BANK HOLIDAY 2020 Bill McQueen

The Grey Book states that the early May bank holiday normally takes place across the UK on the ﬁ rst Fire Ofﬁ cers Association Northern Ireland FRS Monday in May each year. In 2020 that public holiday has been moved to Friday 8 May. In line with general Ade Robinson Carmel McKinney arrangements by the governments within the UK, the NJC circular NJC/5/19 stipulated that the provisions contained within the Grey Book will apply in respect of Friday 8 May instead of Monday 4 May in 2020 (2019HOC0562AD).

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 20 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 21 21/05/2020 11:50 A9 SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE A12 NJC – FBU AND EMPLOYERS’ REPS

The Scottish regional committee considered the proposal and agreed to recommend rejection of the Scottish employer’s proposal. A13 MIDDLE MANAGERS NEGOTIATING BODY (MMNB)

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 20 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 21 21/05/2020 11:50 SECTION B

PENSIONS

B1 INTRODUCTION

During 2019, the FBU secured a major victory in the long-running dispute with the government over changes made to ﬁ reﬁ ghters’ pensions in 2015. In July the Supreme Court refused the government’s application to appeal the Court of Appeal ruling, which it lost in December 2018. This was the last legal hurdle in the dispute, leaving the government with no further avenue to exhaust. The case was remitted back to employment tribunal for remedy. The union also won victories on pensionable pay and on split pensions.

B2 AGE DISCRIMINATION – VICTORY IN THE SUPREME COURT

Fireﬁ ghters’ pension arrangements were substantially worsened by the Westminster government with the imposition of new schemes in 2015. Alongside 2015 changes, there were transitional protection arrangements that meant that older members could stay in the existing and better pension scheme, and younger members had to transfer to a new and worse scheme, causing huge ﬁ nancial losses. The FBU argued that the protection imposed on younger members was unlawful on age, sex and race discrimination grounds. The union initiated more than 6,000 employment tribunal claims alleging that the changes amounted to unlawful discrimination.

The Westminster government’s transitional arrangements for pensions were ruled discriminatory by the Court of Appeal in December 2018. The government applied for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. In July 2019 the Supreme Court refused the application because the Westminster government did not raise an arguable point of law. In addition, the government was ordered to pay the costs of the case. The landmark legal case will impact on all public sector workers.

This was the last legal hurdle in the dispute, leaving the government with no further avenue to exhaust. The issue was remitted back to employment tribunal for remedy. The FBU is the only organisation in the ﬁ re and rescue service to take on this legal battle. The landmark legal case will likely impact on all public sector workers affected in a similar way in other pension schemes (2019HOC0352MW).

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 22 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section B Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 23 21/05/2020 11:50 SECTION B

PENSIONS

B1 INTRODUCTION

B2 AGE DISCRIMINATION – VICTORY IN THE SUPREME COURT

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20304 FBU Section A Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 22 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section B Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 23 21/05/2020 11:50 Government put these improvements on hold pending the outcome of the transitional protection B3 IMPLICATIONS OF THE SUPREME COURT DECISION discrimination claims despite opposition from the union. The union has written to the Westminster government outlining that the cost of transitional protection is outside of this process and they must The FBU’s victory at the Supreme Court has implications for other aspects of ﬁ reﬁ ghters’ pensions. Working immediately apply the improvements. with our legal advisors, the union assessed the impact of the court case (2019HOC0416MW).

Members of the 1992 Scheme (the FPS) The effect of the judgment is that members of the 1992 Firefi ghters’ Pension Scheme (FPS) who were B4 REMEDIES HEARING members on 31 March 2012, who were later transferred into the 2015 scheme, are eligible to be treated as if they are still members of the 1992 scheme. The consequences will be worked through at a remedies On 18 December 2019, the employment tribunal considered the FBU’s pensions case (2019HOC0664MW). hearing. It may take some time to get the issues fi nally resolved. It is likely that any resolution will require The employment tribunal issued an interim declaration. This is binding on fi re and rescue authorities and further legislation, but as and when this is made, it will have to recognise that members’ benefi ts since 1 addresses immediate issues that arise before a fi nal declaration is issued. The fi nal declaration is expected April 2015 up to the date of the new legislation must recognise that members were eligible to be treated as after a further hearing in July 2020. The interim declaration was needed because some members are if they were still in the 1992 scheme. already directly affected by the application of the pensions legal judgement.

Ill-health retirements The immediately affected members were: There are implications for fi refi ghters who have pensionable service in both the 1992 and 2015 schemes. • Members who were members of the 1992 scheme and who are not covered by transitional In the case of ill health the legislation outlined that in this situation a fi refi ghter should be dealt with as if all protection or tapered protection the service was in the 2015 scheme. However the remedy meant that in fact in this situation the fi refi ghter • Those who have been subject to ill-health retirement where the employer has used the 2015 rules could demand that they use the 1992 scheme rules as they were eligible to be treated as a 1992 scheme rather than the 1992 rules; or members who are imminently approaching this position member. These were cases that required immediate attention and the FBU demanded they were dealt with • Those who could have retired by choice under the 1992 regulations, (i.e. who were members of the as a priority. 1992 scheme, are 50 and have at least 25 years’ service) but have not done so because they have been transferred to the 2015 scheme; or members who are imminently approaching this position. As part of the remedies claim, the FBU were looking at routes to seek payment of additional compensation for the non-fi nancial losses that fi refi ghters have suffered, such as the stress and anxiety caused. The interim declaration means that the claimants are entitled to be treated as members of the 1992 If fi refi ghters have incurred any out-of-pocket expense as a result of the changes (such as fees for scheme. This affects the application of the rules relating to ill-health pension and to retirement on grounds independent fi nancial advice) this was being explored too. of age. The rules of the 1992 scheme must now be applied to them.

Members of the 2006 scheme (the NFPS) This applies to any claimants who are currently in the process of retiring or who have already been retired The 2006 New Fireﬁ ghters’ Pension Scheme (NFPS) and the 2015 scheme look quite similar at a glance on grounds of ill-health since 31 March 2015 using the incorrect rules. It also applies to those who are but there are subtle differences that need to be considered. The 2006 scheme is a ﬁ nal salary scheme eligible to retire on grounds of age and length of service and who wish to retire now. compared to the career average revalued earnings 2015 scheme. The early retirement factors applied to the 2015 scheme are much lower than those applied to the 2006 scheme. The FBU claim was designed The FBU position is that claimants and non-claimants must be treated exactly the same when dealing with to take account of members in all circumstances and all schemes and took account of the fact that what these cases. suited one individual might not suit another.

‘Special members’ of the 2006 scheme (the modifi ed section) This refers to members who were retained fi refi ghters before 6 April 2006 and who chose to join the 2006 B5 PENSIONABLE PAY scheme on the special terms offered as part of the part-time workers’ settlement. The FBU had submitted claims for fi refi ghters who found themselves in the same position as the 1992 scheme members. These On 29 March 2019 the High Court handed down a decision (Booth and others) that clarifi es the were also covered by this outcome and the remedy also meant they were entitled to be treated as if they elements of pay which should be treated as pensionable in the FPS, the NFPS and the 2015 scheme were still members of the modifi ed scheme. (2019HOC0205SS). The issue arose in Mid and West Wales and was challenged through the Pension Ombudsman, before it went to the High Court. Members of the 2015 scheme – improvements The main impact will be for members who work on the day-crewing duty system and its variants, including Any fi refi ghter who joined a fi refi ghters’ pension scheme for the fi rst time on or after 1 April 2012 is not the ‘DC Plus’ duty systems, which some brigades introduced (and which have now been declared to be affected by the age discrimination ruling and will remain a member of the 2015 scheme. However the 2015 unlawful). The extra allowances paid for members working these duty systems are pensionable. The result scheme should have been improved from1 April 2019 to refl ect the outcome of the scheme valuation. The is that their pensions will increase and they will also be asked to pay arrears of contributions. The arrears do cap and fl oor regulations which govern the scheme costs contain a mechanism that should automatically not have to be paid as a lump sum. They can be paid over a ‘reasonable’ period, the length of which needs apply if it turns out that the cost of the 2015 scheme breaches the cost fl oor and evidence that the scheme to be negotiated with the employers. is less expensive to administer than anticipated.

The case also looked at the position of a member who had a secondary contract as a USAR technician. The Government Actuary’s Department examined the cost of benefi ts in 2019 and advised the government The decision relating to pay the member received under this particular contract was held not to be that that was the case. The question of how these benefi ts should be improved was discussed and agreed pensionable, but the case also makes it clear that most secondary contracts are pensionable in their by the England Scheme Advisory board. The discussion around how benefi ts should be improved also took own right. The reason that it was not deemed pensionable in this case related to how the allowance was place at scheme advisory boards in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. funded. It does not mean however that all allowances for secondary contracts even those involving USAR

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20304 FBU Section B Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 24 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section B Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 25 21/05/2020 11:50 Government put these improvements on hold pending the outcome of the transitional protection B3 IMPLICATIONS OF THE SUPREME COURT DECISION discrimination claims despite opposition from the union. The union has written to the Westminster government outlining that the cost of transitional protection is outside of this process and they must The FBU’s victory at the Supreme Court has implications for other aspects of ﬁ reﬁ ghters’ pensions. Working immediately apply the improvements. with our legal advisors, the union assessed the impact of the court case (2019HOC0416MW).

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20304 FBU Section B Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 24 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section B Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 25 21/05/2020 11:50 are necessarily not pensionable. It was agreed that this would need to be explored in more detail and However a recent challenge has shown that unfortunately not all brigades have ensured this is the case, discussions are ongoing. and a signifi cant number of members may have missed out on this. FBU offi cials discovered that a signifi cant number of retired scheme members were not afforded the best pension they were entitled to There is a difference in the way ‘pensionable pay’ is defi ned in the FPS on the one hand and the NFPS under the split pension rules. and 2015 scheme on the other. This case brings the defi nitions largely into line with each other. To be pensionable, an allowance must meet the following criteria: There may be several reasons for pay reductions throughout a member’s career that could be covered by • It must be paid ‘in relation to the performance of the duties of the role’. That means it must be pay the split pension rule. For example: for work done or to be done, and not a payment for reimbursement of expenses, pay in lieu of • Reductions in rank holiday or similar • Loss of fl exi duty allowance • It must be of an amount that refl ects the member’s role. A fl at-rate allowance which does not vary • Loss of a weighting allowance after transferring from one service to another according to the member’s role is not pensionable. A percentage uplift in pay is, because the amount • Moving from a duty system that attracted a pensionable payment such as day crewing plus varies according to whether the member is a fi refi ghter, watch manager etc • Loss of training allowance. • It must be ‘regular’ (FPS) or ‘permanent’ (NFPS and 2015 scheme). The Booth case shows that the difference is not a difference of substance. An allowance is permanent even if the FRA could If a period of temporary promotion took place before 1 April 2007 and continued after that date, it should terminate it by moving the member to another duty system where that particular allowance is not be covered by the split pension rules. Similarly, where a temporary promotion took place before 1 July 2013 paid (for instance, by moving a member from a day-crewing station to a shift duty system station). and continued after that date it should also apply. The real question in this instance is when the member starts the role in question: is it envisaged that the allowance will be paid into the foreseeable future (even if the duty system could change at The 1 April 2007 has been clarifi ed as the date the rule came into force by a Pension Ombudsman ruling some stage)? Will it be paid regularly? If the answer to those two questions is yes, the allowance is (PO-2573) in August 2014. (Restrictions on temporary promotions in Northern Ireland and Scotland differ probably pensionable slightly so offi cials there will have to take this into account). • The allowance must not be irregular, one-off or temporary. This is the fl ip-side of the last point. If, when the allowance starts to be paid, it is clear that it will not continue indefi nitely, it is probably not ARAs are not deemed pensionable and CPD is treated as an additional pension benefi t. Neither of these pensionable. are covered by the split pension rules.

The USAR contract which the court considered was stated to be for a fi xed term of one year, which would The scheme rules were amended in 2018 to ensure indexing is applied to the fi rst part of the split pension. be renewed annually if continued funding was made available by the Welsh Assembly Government. In fact The application of indexation may mean that in some cases the value of split pensions have risen at a the contract had been renewed every year since 2009. relatively better rate than pay has risen within an affected period. This is a further area that should be considered automatically by the brigade when split pensions are involved. The court said that when each contract was started it was not envisaged that it would continue indefi nitely. The payment under each contract was therefore not suffi ciently permanent to be pensionable. In light of the FBU’s victory on pensionable pay (Booth case) fi re and rescue authorities have been advised to check whether all elements of higher pay are treated as pensionable or not. This must also include a This is an unusual practice hence the earlier point that this may not apply to all secondary contracts. Most retrospective check on previous payments. secondary contracts are not rolling fi xed terms contracts such as this. If, when the contract starts, it is envisaged that it will continue indefi nitely, the pay received for the performance of the duties under the secondary contract is probably pensionable.

However it must be recognised that it must be a contract for the performance of the duties of a fi refi ghter. Pay received for the performance of duties not covered by any role map is not pensionable under any of the three fi refi ghters’ pension schemes.

B6 SPLIT PENSIONS

During 2019 there were important developments on split pensions (2019HOC00433SS). In 2007 the split pension rule, B5A, was introduced into the 1992 FPS as a means to protect ﬁ nal salary pay for pension purposes, if the scheme member had a reduction in pay and was not within three years of retirement.

There was already an equivalent rule in the 2006 NFPS, [Part 3, Rule 7], and it was felt a similar rule in the 1992 FPS could be of use to pension scheme members. Prior to the introduction of rule B5A members would have paid pension contributions on higher salary pay but, if they suffered a pay reduction and were outside three years from retirement, would have got no beneﬁ t from making those higher pension contributions.

It has always been incumbent on pension scheme managers to ensure members’ pensions were checked to see if a split pension would offer a better pension than one based on the best year from the last three years of service.

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20304 FBU Section B Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 26 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section B Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 27 21/05/2020 11:50 are necessarily not pensionable. It was agreed that this would need to be explored in more detail and However a recent challenge has shown that unfortunately not all brigades have ensured this is the case, discussions are ongoing. and a signifi cant number of members may have missed out on this. FBU offi cials discovered that a signifi cant number of retired scheme members were not afforded the best pension they were entitled to There is a difference in the way ‘pensionable pay’ is defi ned in the FPS on the one hand and the NFPS under the split pension rules. and 2015 scheme on the other. This case brings the defi nitions largely into line with each other. To be pensionable, an allowance must meet the following criteria: There may be several reasons for pay reductions throughout a member’s career that could be covered by • It must be paid ‘in relation to the performance of the duties of the role’. That means it must be pay the split pension rule. For example: for work done or to be done, and not a payment for reimbursement of expenses, pay in lieu of • Reductions in rank holiday or similar • Loss of fl exi duty allowance • It must be of an amount that refl ects the member’s role. A fl at-rate allowance which does not vary • Loss of a weighting allowance after transferring from one service to another according to the member’s role is not pensionable. A percentage uplift in pay is, because the amount • Moving from a duty system that attracted a pensionable payment such as day crewing plus varies according to whether the member is a fi refi ghter, watch manager etc • Loss of training allowance. • It must be ‘regular’ (FPS) or ‘permanent’ (NFPS and 2015 scheme). The Booth case shows that the difference is not a difference of substance. An allowance is permanent even if the FRA could If a period of temporary promotion took place before 1 April 2007 and continued after that date, it should terminate it by moving the member to another duty system where that particular allowance is not be covered by the split pension rules. Similarly, where a temporary promotion took place before 1 July 2013 paid (for instance, by moving a member from a day-crewing station to a shift duty system station). and continued after that date it should also apply. The real question in this instance is when the member starts the role in question: is it envisaged that the allowance will be paid into the foreseeable future (even if the duty system could change at The 1 April 2007 has been clarifi ed as the date the rule came into force by a Pension Ombudsman ruling some stage)? Will it be paid regularly? If the answer to those two questions is yes, the allowance is (PO-2573) in August 2014. (Restrictions on temporary promotions in Northern Ireland and Scotland differ probably pensionable slightly so offi cials there will have to take this into account). • The allowance must not be irregular, one-off or temporary. This is the fl ip-side of the last point. If, when the allowance starts to be paid, it is clear that it will not continue indefi nitely, it is probably not ARAs are not deemed pensionable and CPD is treated as an additional pension benefi t. Neither of these pensionable. are covered by the split pension rules.

B6 SPLIT PENSIONS

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20304 FBU Section B Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 26 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section B Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 27 21/05/2020 11:50 SECTION C OPERATIONS, HEALTH AND SAFETY

C1 INTRODUCTION

In 2019 FBU conference carried a wide range of resolutions, including those on mental health, cancer, gender-speciﬁ c health and safety, ﬁ reground welfare facilities and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Conference resolutions and other ongoing priorities were discussed at the union’s health and safety committee. This year the union made progress with major research projects into contaminants (including those that can lead to cancer) and with mental health issues.

C2 FBU HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The FBU health and safety committee held three meetings during 2019, all at head ofﬁ ce: • 13 March 2019 • 5 September 2019 • 10 December 2019 • A meeting planned for July had to be cancelled.

The meetings were attended by senior ofﬁ cials from regions, as well as executive council members, sectional reps and national ofﬁ cers. They established working groups to oversee the implementation of particular conference resolutions and other key issues.

C3 FIREFIGHTERS’ MEMORIAL DAY

Firefi ghters Memorial Day was marked across the UK on 4 May 2019, the third year of this campaign instigated by the union. FBU members at fi re stations and other fi re service workplaces hosted a remembrance occasion in honour of the bravery and sacrifi ce of fallen comrades.

An early day motion was laid at Westminster, gaining 80 signatures, in support of the day (2018HOC0115SS). The text read:

That this House joins with fi refi ghters across the United Kingdom on Firefi ghters Memorial Day in remembering the bravery and sacrifi ce of over 2,300 fi refi ghters who have lost their lives in the line of duty; extends its sympathies especially on this memorial day to all the bereaved families of fallen fi refi ghters; acknowledges the good work of the Firefi ghters Memorial Trust in remembering and honouring all

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20304 FBU Section B Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 28 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section C Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 29 21/05/2020 11:51 SECTION C OPERATIONS, HEALTH AND SAFETY

C1 INTRODUCTION

C2 FBU HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

C3 FIREFIGHTERS’ MEMORIAL DAY

An early day motion was laid at Westminster, gaining 80 signatures, in support of the day (2018HOC0115SS). The text read:

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20304 FBU Section B Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 28 21/05/2020 11:50 20304 FBU Section C Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 29 21/05/2020 11:51 fi refi ghters who have lost their lives while serving humanity and recording their names on the Firefi ghters Memorial, located close to St Paul’s Cathedral in London; and applauds the commitment and selfl ess C7 FBU CONTAMINANTS PROJECT – SAMPLING dedication of all United Kingdom fi refi ghters who stand ready today and every day to risk their lives to save others and protect their local communities from the consequences of fi re, fl oods, terror attacks and Workplace sampling began in several fi re and rescue services, including Lancashire, Essex and Kent. numerous other emergency situations. This involved taking wipe samples from surfaces and using pumps to fi lter the air. West Midlands, East Sussex, Scotland, South Wales, Bedfordshire, West Yorkshire and Lincolnshire signed the memorandum of understanding relating to the project, committing to further workplace sampling in 2020. C4 FBU CONTAMINANTS PROJECT

In 2018 the FBU commissioned Professor Anna Stec and her team from the University of Central C8 TOXIC CHEMICALS Lancashire (UCLan) to conduct further detailed research into the exposure of fi refi ghters to contaminants. The project is part funded by the Firefi ghters 100 Lottery. In 2019 the project began with a pilot study in In July 2019, the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee published a report, Toxic Chemicals Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. It was followed by the roll out of the UK-wide survey and sampling in in Everyday Life, which has important implications for the FBU’s work on fi refi ghters’ health and safety certain brigades. (2019HOC0377SS).

This research aims to: The Environmental Audit Committee report highlights a range of chemicals that fi refi ghters are exposed to • Identify potentially harmful components within fi re effl uents, soot deposits and residues on the fi reground. It singles out and praises the FBU’s contaminants project and demands the Health and • Evaluate decontamination methods and equipment damage - infl uence of different cleaning Safety Executive support the work we are doing. The report also backs the FBU’s conference policy in processes, effect of equipment age on permeability and retention of contaminants favour of presumptive legislation for fi refi ghters’ cancers. • Evaluate the different potential exposure routes - inhalation, ingestion and dermal absorption. This will use biological samples from saliva, blood and urine to estimate the absorption and release of key The Environmental Audit Committee also raised the issue of toxicity with regard to fl ame retardants, as a contaminants from the body, with and without decontamination, such as showering etc. threat to both fi refi ghters’ and public health. It puts the blame squarely on the chemical industry and on central government. In February, brigade offi cials were asked to assist the project by providing their fi re service’s policies on PPE and how it is decontaminated, cleaned, stored, maintained and repaired (2019HOC0141SS). The FBU has raised concerns about the hazards of fl ame retardants and the toxic by-products of burning these materials for decades. The union fought a long campaign to secure legislation, which resulted in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. Furniture manufacturers responded to the furniture regulations by introducing fl ame retardants, which give off substances hazardous to health. C5 FBU CONTAMINANTS PROJECT – LANCASHIRE PILOT The FBU has also fought a determined campaign over the past three decades against New Labour and The contaminants project began with a pilot study in Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. The brigade Tory-led governments, big corporations and industry lobbyists, to defend the regulations and to prevent the was chosen because of strong support for the project by Lancashire principal managers and by the FBU’s deregulation of fi re safety. However the union is investigating recent toxicity studies, which show that some brigade committee, as well as the location of UCLan (2019HOC0269SS). fl ame retardants pose signifi cant risks.

The Lancashire pilot involved two key tasks: • A confi dential brigade-wide questionnaire to evaluate current practice and attitudes with regards to contaminants from fi refi ghters in Lancashire C9 FBU MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT • Workplace sampling including offi ces, appliance bays and appliances to identify the contamination fi refi ghters might be exposed to. In February 2019 the executive council approved a research project on fi refi ghters’ mental health, in line with a range of conference resolutions in recent years (2019HOC0148SS). The proposal involves: FBU national and brigade offi cials met with principal managers at the FBU’s conference to fi nalise the • Carrying out a full literature review relating to fi refi ghters and mental wellbeing. This will include a arrangements. The survey went live from 22 May 2019 and ran for six weeks. It was publicised through review of all good practices available and relevant to the task brigade communications and fi refi ghters were allowed work time to complete it. UCLan researchers were • Preparing a detailed survey of FBU members to quantify the number of fi refi ghters suffering from then able to evaluate responses and fi nalise the UK-wide survey. mental health issues. This will include information relating to stress, PTSD, alcohol/drugs, suicide, work related illnesses and presenteeism • Evaluating policies, guidance and training across fi re and rescue services • Drafting a best practice guidance document C6 FBU CONTAMINANTS PROJECT – UK-WIDE SURVEY • Reviewing the training and advice given to FBU offi cials • Suggesting improvements to the Grey Book for negotiations. The UK-wide contaminants questionnaire commenced on 18 November 2019 and fi nished in February 2020. It was promoted through FBU communications, including circulars, Firefi ghter magazine, Roll Call and the union’s website. Some brigades also advertised the link through their own websites.

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20304 FBU Section C Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 30 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section C Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 31 21/05/2020 11:51 fi refi ghters who have lost their lives while serving humanity and recording their names on the Firefi ghters Memorial, located close to St Paul’s Cathedral in London; and applauds the commitment and selfl ess C7 FBU CONTAMINANTS PROJECT – SAMPLING dedication of all United Kingdom fi refi ghters who stand ready today and every day to risk their lives to save others and protect their local communities from the consequences of fi re, fl oods, terror attacks and Workplace sampling began in several fi re and rescue services, including Lancashire, Essex and Kent. numerous other emergency situations. This involved taking wipe samples from surfaces and using pumps to fi lter the air. West Midlands, East Sussex, Scotland, South Wales, Bedfordshire, West Yorkshire and Lincolnshire signed the memorandum of understanding relating to the project, committing to further workplace sampling in 2020. C4 FBU CONTAMINANTS PROJECT

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20304 FBU Section C Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 30 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section C Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 31 21/05/2020 11:51 C10 MENTAL HEALTH – COMMISSIONED RESEARCH

FBU ofﬁ cials met a range of individuals and organisations to ﬁ nd the best people to take forward our mental health project. Following these meetings the union invited Dr Rowena Hill and Dr Sally Andrews from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to prepare a costed project brief based on the aims discussed.

Dr Hill has worked with the emergency services in this ﬁ eld for over 13 years and is a well published SECTION D academic on the issue of emergency worker mental wellbeing. Dr Andrews is the ﬁ re lead for one of the biggest psychology departments in the UK and has a particular expertise in experimental research and data analysis. FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE POLICY

In October 2019 the executive council agreed the project and preliminary steps were taken to get the work underway. It is expected to commence in spring 2020 and take at least a year (2019HOC0524SS).

C11 MIND BLUE LIGHT PROJECT CLOSED The MIND blue light project lost its central government funding and was wound up during the year. FBU D1 INTRODUCTION offi cials met with MIND senior project workers and obtained the results of their fi nal survey. It found that the blue light programme had helped improve the confi dence of staff to seek support, although the stigma This year fi re and rescue service policy saw the publication of the remaining reports from tranche 2 of associated with mental health still exists. The union was told that the project would be handed to the NFCC the inspections conducted by the new fi re inspectorate for England. In Scotland, a new strategic plan to progress. was brought in after consultation. The Home Offi ce and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) ran a number of consultations on building regulations and guidance, as well as fi re safety, arising from their response to the Grenfell Tower fi re. The FBU participated in the meetings of a number of forums established by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). C12 HEAT ILLNESS PREVENTION

In October the FBU announced the launch of a heat illness prevention and awareness (HIPA) course. This was possible following a successful innovation bid to the Department for Education via unionlearn at the D2 FIRE INSPECTORATE IN ENGLAND (HMICFRS) TUC. This funding enabled the development of a full training and awareness package that will provide a recognised qualifi cation for fi refi ghters as well as vital information on this safety related issue. During 2019, the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) completed the publication of its reports on all individual fi re and rescue services in England. This was the fi rst cycle of The HIPA training package was developed following reports of fi refi ghters suffering from heat-related reports since the inspectorate was established. The fi rst 15 reports had been published in December 2018. illnesses and from a serious accident investigation relating to the issue. It was developed by the FBU During the year: unionlearn team, FBU head offi ce, Beach Design and Brighton University. • The second 15 reports were published in June 2019 • The fi nal 15 reports were published in December 2019.

The FBU welcomed the regular inspection of fi re and rescue services by HMICFRS. This replaced a peer assessment system by chief fi re offi cers, which the union considered insuffi ciently rigorous and insuffi ciently objective. The peer assessment system also enabled the further fragmentation of the fi re and rescue service. The HMICFRS reports revealed the stark reality of austerity – services overstretched, under- resourced and unable to fulfi l key parts of their remit. Fire and rescue services no longer have enough staff or resources to carry out essential enforcement and prosecution work.

The HMICFRS reports also highlight the fragmentation of the ﬁ re and rescue service, such as wide variation in response times. Without nationally set standards, it is difﬁ cult for any inspectorate to measure performance against real benchmarks.

The HMICFRS reports rightly drew attention to the lack of adequate shower and changing facilities for women fi refi ghters in some circumstances. However LGBT were not mentioned under inclusion. Equality has stalled since 2010, due to the government scrapping equality targets and imposing austerity. A virtual recruitment freeze for the last decade has hampered efforts to improve diversity in the workforce. The reports also exposed toxic bullying and harassment by principal management in many fi re and rescue services.

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20304 FBU Section C Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 32 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section D Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 33 21/05/2020 11:51 C10 MENTAL HEALTH – COMMISSIONED RESEARCH

In October 2019 the executive council agreed the project and preliminary steps were taken to get the work underway. It is expected to commence in spring 2020 and take at least a year (2019HOC0524SS).

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20304 FBU Section C Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 32 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section D Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 33 21/05/2020 11:51 The HMICFRS questioned why there was no agreement on expanding fi refi ghters’ roles to cover marauding The FBU’s main concern with the Westminster government’s proposals for a new “building safety regulator” terrorist fi rearms attacks (MTFAs). The union has been willing to negotiate, but wants essential protections for high rise residential buildings (HRRBs) did not embed in statute the role of the fi re and rescue service in place. Responsibility for the delay rests entirely with fi re and rescue service employers and central at every stage. The fi re and rescue sector could become marginalised in a new regime involving the Health government, who have been complacent throughout these discussions. The FBU has insisted on much and Safety Executive (HSE), local authority building control, the Local Government Association (LGA) and wider planning and preparation for such terrorist attacks, including fi refi ghter training and equipment for any others. incident they might be sent to. The FBU argued that the role of representing the service cannot be left solely to the NFCC, as appears to be the case at present. HSE, the LGA, the NFCC and other bodies were all complicit in creating the light- touch, weak regulatory regime that led to the Grenfell Tower fi re. Other stakeholders, including trade union D3 APPROVED DOCUMENT B CONSULTATION representatives across these sectors, should have a prescribed, statutory role in the new building safety regime, so that the views of the workforce – particularly those whose work includes inspecting premises – In March 2019 the FBU made a submission to the MHCLG consultation, Technical Review of Approved are heard loud and clear. Document B of the Building Regulations: Call for Evidence. The FBU submission expressed our disappointment with the Westminster government’s approach to the review of Approved Document B, The FBU wants any new legislation to apply to all residential buildings above 11m in height and to both which failed to challenge the overall system failure that led to the Grenfell Tower fi re. The FBU expected the HRRBs and multi-occupancy ‘institutional residential buildings’, particularly those where people sleep, such Westminster government to examine the whole process of regulation, going back at least to 1985, when as hospitals, care homes, hotels, prisons, halls of residence and boarding schools. the Approved Documents were fi rst introduced alongside the vastly reduced ‘functional’ requirements in the building regulations.

The FBU believes the Building Regulations 1985 and the introduction of Approved Document B were a D5 FIRE SAFETY ORDER CONSULTATION deregulatory step, which gave the construction industry too much latitude to determine how dwellings, including high rise residential fl ats, were built and could subsequently be altered. In July 2019 the FBU made a submission to the Home Offi ce consultation, Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Call for Evidence. The union argued that a review of the Fire Safety Order was long overdue The FBU also warned that regulation would be rendered meaningless unless it was backed by rigorous and that deregulation has undermined the fi re safety regime. monitoring and enforcement. Weaker enforcement bodies mean that some building companies, architects and other parties are able to get away with unsafe practices. The FBU warned the Westminster government when it introduced the Fire Safety Order that the enforcement regime was weakened. In particular, the union raised concern at the abolition of the fi re The FBU argued for: certifi cation process in the Fire Precautions Act, which gave fi re authorities considerable leverage to bring • Clear, baseline, prescriptive national standards for fi re safety about improved safety standards across a range of premises. The Fire Safety Order introduced a self- • Mandatory fi re certifi cation for certain designated premises compliance regime without providing the necessary safeguards for those carrying out risk assessments, • Properly resourced fi re authorities to inspect and enforce fi re safety legislation particularly for complex buildings governed by multiple regulations. Fire services have not had the resources • Statutory national competency standards and accreditation for risk assessors necessary to enforce the legislation. • Scrapping private approved inspectors and an end to the ‘no rejections, no delays’ culture – bringing all building control back in-house The FBU raised these concerns with the Westminster government and MPs before the legislation came into • A rolling review of building regulations and guidance, with new legislation and publications at least force. The union and other fi re stakeholders gave warnings subsequently. The coroner who investigated every fi ve years in light of new developments the Lakanal House fi re sent a Rule 43 letter to ministers warning of the signifi cant gaps regarding the • Statutory stakeholder committees that include the trade unions and other fi re professionals, ‘responsible person’, competency of risk assessors and lack of clarity in the regulations. The Westminster not secretive groups of industry lobbyists and senior civil servants, should review and propose government ignored these warnings while imposing austerity on the fi re and rescue service (and other improvements to regulation and guidance. public services). This deprived fi re safety professionals of the resources needed to remedy the situation.

D4 BUILDING REGULATIONS CONSULTATION D6 FIRE STANDARDS BOARD

In July 2019, the FBU made a submission to the MHCLG consultation, Building a Safer Future: Proposals In 2018, the Home Offi ce created the Fire Standards Board (FSB), in recognition of the need for for reform of the building safety regulatory system. professional standards and technical (or industry) standards. Last year the board comprised: Suzanne McCarthy, Chair The consultation was the Westminster government’s attempt to take forward the proposals from the Hackitt Alison Sansome, Vice-Chair review, whose fi nal report was published in 2018. Hackitt found that the whole system of building safety Roy Wilsher, NFCC regulation was not “fi t for purpose”. Instead she proposed a new, more robust regulatory framework. Nick Chard, LGA Julia Mulligan, APCC However Hackitt did not take the opportunity to evaluate the building regulations themselves or explore the Jonny Bugg, Home Offi ce balance between statutory prescription and voluntary guidance. Some of Hackitt’s proposals left too much Susan Ellison-Bunce, NFCC. scope for decision-making in the hands of private businesses, and did not challenge the deregulatory, free market free-for-all that has weakened fi re safety. The FBU has not been invited to join the board. The union receives formal updates on the FSB at the NFCC Strategic Engagement Forum (SEF), where the union is represented.

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20304 FBU Section D Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 34 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section D Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 35 21/05/2020 11:51 The HMICFRS questioned why there was no agreement on expanding fi refi ghters’ roles to cover marauding The FBU’s main concern with the Westminster government’s proposals for a new “building safety regulator” terrorist fi rearms attacks (MTFAs). The union has been willing to negotiate, but wants essential protections for high rise residential buildings (HRRBs) did not embed in statute the role of the fi re and rescue service in place. Responsibility for the delay rests entirely with fi re and rescue service employers and central at every stage. The fi re and rescue sector could become marginalised in a new regime involving the Health government, who have been complacent throughout these discussions. The FBU has insisted on much and Safety Executive (HSE), local authority building control, the Local Government Association (LGA) and wider planning and preparation for such terrorist attacks, including fi refi ghter training and equipment for any others. incident they might be sent to. The FBU argued that the role of representing the service cannot be left solely to the NFCC, as appears to be the case at present. HSE, the LGA, the NFCC and other bodies were all complicit in creating the light- touch, weak regulatory regime that led to the Grenfell Tower fi re. Other stakeholders, including trade union D3 APPROVED DOCUMENT B CONSULTATION representatives across these sectors, should have a prescribed, statutory role in the new building safety regime, so that the views of the workforce – particularly those whose work includes inspecting premises – In March 2019 the FBU made a submission to the MHCLG consultation, Technical Review of Approved are heard loud and clear. Document B of the Building Regulations: Call for Evidence. The FBU submission expressed our disappointment with the Westminster government’s approach to the review of Approved Document B, The FBU wants any new legislation to apply to all residential buildings above 11m in height and to both which failed to challenge the overall system failure that led to the Grenfell Tower fi re. The FBU expected the HRRBs and multi-occupancy ‘institutional residential buildings’, particularly those where people sleep, such Westminster government to examine the whole process of regulation, going back at least to 1985, when as hospitals, care homes, hotels, prisons, halls of residence and boarding schools. the Approved Documents were fi rst introduced alongside the vastly reduced ‘functional’ requirements in the building regulations.

D4 BUILDING REGULATIONS CONSULTATION D6 FIRE STANDARDS BOARD

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20304 FBU Section D Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 34 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section D Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 35 21/05/2020 11:51 D7 SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE STRATEGIC PLAN

This year the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) consulted on its Draft Strategic Plan 2019-22. In July 2019 the FBU made a submission to the consultation, expressing our professional concerns with the plan. Many of the outcomes were poorly formulated, containing language that may not be familiar to the public but imply quite specifi c and probably adverse changes to professional fi refi ghters’ terms and conditions. The plan also lacked clarity on the means by which these aims will be put into practice. The questions SECTION E focused on prevention and left little room for discussion of emergency intervention.

The FBU submission highlighted SFRS cuts to fi refi ghter jobs, fi re station closures and reduction of GOVERNMENT POLICY AND LEGISLATION pumping appliances, which have affected service delivery. Instead, the union demanded sustained investment in the SFRS and a voice for fi refi ghters in the direction of the service through the FBU. The Strategic Plan 2019-22 was published in October 2019.

E1 INTRODUCTION

Westminster matters were dominated by events in the Conservative Party. Theresa May failed to force her Brexit Bill through the House of Commons, leading to her resignation in June. Boris Johnson won the leadership contest. He attempted to prorogue parliament in September and failed to get his own Brexit withdrawal agreement through. A general election was called for 12 December. The result was a Tory majority government.

FBU conference in 2019 carried two executive council policy statements on government policy. These were: • Grenfell Tower: never again • Rebuilding our ﬁ re and rescue service.

During 2019 the FBU allocated substantial resources to political work. These included submissions to governments at Westminster and the devolved administrations, lobbies by FBU members, meetings with ministers and civil servants and the production of brieﬁ ngs and bulletins, as well as campaigning.

E2 GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE – ENGLAND

The Home Offi ce is responsible for the fi re and rescue service in England. Sajid Javid MP was home secretary until July, followed by Priti Patel. Nick Hurd MP was the fi re minister until July, followed by Kit Malthouse MP. FBU offi cials held several meetings with ministers during the year.

E3 GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE – NORTHERN IRELAND

The ﬁ re and rescue service in Northern Ireland is a devolved matter and the responsibility of the Department of Health. The Northern Ireland Executive did not reconvene during 2019. FBU ofﬁ cials held numerous meetings with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) during the year.

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20304 FBU Section D Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 36 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section E Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 37 21/05/2020 11:51 D7 SCOTTISH FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE STRATEGIC PLAN

E1 INTRODUCTION

FBU conference in 2019 carried two executive council policy statements on government policy. These were: • Grenfell Tower: never again • Rebuilding our ﬁ re and rescue service.

E2 GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE – ENGLAND

E3 GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE – NORTHERN IRELAND

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20304 FBU Section D Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 36 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section E Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 37 21/05/2020 11:51 E4 GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE – SCOTLAND E9 WELSH GOVERNMENT

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is a devolved matter and the responsibility of the Scottish The FBU represents fi refi ghters on the Wales Fire and Rescue Consultative Forum, which includes senior government. During 2019, Humza Yousaf MSP was cabinet secretary for justice. Ash Denham MSP was civil servants, chief fi re offi cers and employers’ representatives. During the year the forum met quarterly and minister for community safety, with responsibility for the fi re and rescue service in Scotland. FBU offi cials discussed a range of issues. held meetings with numerous ministers and Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) during the year. The Welsh government held its white paper consultation on reform of the fi re and rescue authorities in Wales’ governance and funding arrangements. The FBU made a submission to defend the service. E5 GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE – WALES

The fi re and rescue service in Wales is a devolved matter and the responsibility of the Welsh government. E10 GRENFELL TOWER PUBLIC INQUIRY FBU offi cials held meetings with ministers, Assembly Members (AMs) and Welsh government fi re branch civil servants during the year. Julie James AM was minister for local government and public services, with FBU conference discussed the Grenfell Tower fi re and the union’s strategy for defending fi refi ghters, getting responsibility for the fi re and rescue service. justice for residents and holding politicians and construction fi rms to account.

On 30 October 2019 the Grenfell Tower Inquiry (GTI) published its phase 1 report, dealing with events on the night of the ﬁ re. The public inquiry did not hold any hearings during the year. The GTI’s Phase 1 report E6 LOCAL GOVERNMENT SETTLEMENT IN ENGLAND was expected to be released in June, but was delayed.

In February 2019, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) confi rmed its Before the report was published, the FBU undertook media and research to anticipate the expected local government settlement, providing fi gures for the central grant allocated to metropolitan and combined criticism of fi refi ghters regarding the ‘stay put’ policy (2019HOC0539MW). Head offi ce also responded to fi re authorities in England. Westminster provided more than a billion pounds of central funding to fi re and allegations of racism in the operational response, which initially appeared to have been made by Doreen rescue services in England in 2016-17. This was cut by £155 million for 2019-20. Over the fi ve year period, Lawrence in a Channel 4 programme. The union strongly refuted such allegations and met with Baroness the cuts amount to 15%. Lawrence to address the concerns raised by members (2019HOC0536MW). She subsequently underlined that her comments referred to housing policy, not the fi refi ghters’ response to the Grenfell Tower fi re. In August 2019 the FBU made a submission to the Treasury’s fast-tracked spending round to set departmental budgets for 2020-21. In October, the union also made a submission ahead of the Budget on The FBU played a prominent role in discussions around the report in the media. Head offi ce set out the 6 November. The submissions showed the range of risks fi refi ghters have to tackle, from fi res to climate- issues covered and answered the criticisms made, particularly the scapegoating of incident commanders, related incidents. They explained the devastating effects of fi refi ghter job cuts and made the case for control staff and fi refi ghters (2019HOC0542MW). investment in the fi re and rescue service. The GTI phase 1 report consisted of four volumes, 34 chapters and several appendices – more than 900 pages in total: • Volume 1 on the building, regulations and the London Fire Brigade (LFB) • Volume 2 on the events of the night from 00:54 to 02:20 E7 NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY • Volume 3 on the events from 02:20 to 08:10, when the last survivor was rescued • Volume 4 on a long series of conclusions and 45 recommendations. During the year FBU offi cials and members engaged with politicians from all parties in Northern Ireland: the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Sinn Féin, Ulster Unionists, Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) The FBU’s initial response rejected the GTI’s Phase 1 report conclusion that a decision for some sort of and the Alliance Party. FBU representatives attended party conferences to lobby on behalf of fi refi ghters. ‘mass evacuation’ should have been taken at 01.30 (or at least by 01.50). This was unprecedented in the UK, where there had never been a mass evacuation of a high rise residential building involved in fi re and for which there was no procedure nor any training. The union expressed regret that the GTI had come to its ‘mass evacuation’ conclusion while apparently ignoring much evidence from fi refi ghters and residents from E8 SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT the incident and without taking evidence from its own appointed fi refi ghting expert.

During the year Scottish FBU regional offi cials engaged regularly with ministers, MSPs and the leaders of all The FBU did however welcome the GTI’s recommendations and pledged to work with other interested parties at Holyrood, as well as attending party conferences. parties to ensure they are implemented swiftly. The FBU published its detailed response to the GTI’s Phase 1 report in early 2020. The FBU made a robust submission to SFRS consultation Strategic Plan 2019-22. The union criticised the vague objectives, which masked transformation plans that included cuts to fi refi ghter jobs and stations (see Section D7).

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20304 FBU Section E Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 38 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section E Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 39 21/05/2020 11:51 E4 GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE – SCOTLAND E9 WELSH GOVERNMENT

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20304 FBU Section E Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 38 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section E Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 39 21/05/2020 11:51 In the general election on 12 December 2019, some MPs stepped down (#) and others were defeated at E11 POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONERS IN ENGLAND the polls (*).

The Policing and Crime Act 2017 enabled police and crime commissioners (PCCs) in England to take over FBU PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, DECEMBER 2019 fi re and rescue services in their area. Essex, Staffordshire, North Yorkshire and Northamptonshire currently have Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners (PFCCs). West Mercia (Shropshire, Hereford and Worcester) Roberta Blackman-Woods, City of Durham (#) and Cambridgeshire want to become PFCCs, but are subject to judicial review. PCCs may adopt the Richard Burgon, Leeds East ‘representation’, ‘governance’ or ‘single-employer’ model. Currently PCCs have adopted either the Jenny Chapman, Darlington (*) representation or governance model. Dan Carden, Liverpool Walton FBU Conference 2018 underlined the union’s opposition to PCCs: Rosie Cooper, Lancashire West “Conference is extremely concerned at the Conservative Party policy of allowing Police and Crime Jeremy Corbyn, Islington North Commissioners (PCCs) to run Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs). This policy is an attack on democracy at the Jon Cruddas, Dagenham and Rainham corporate level of local Fire and Rescue Services and links the FRS with the Police far too closely which can cause real issues for fi refi ghters on the frontline of our humanitarian service. Therefore Conference demands John Cryer, Leyton & Wanstead that the Executive Council take all necessary steps to resist PCC takeovers and infl uence the Labour Party Alex Cunningham, Stockton North to produce a clear manifesto and work in Parliament to reverse the decision to allow PCCs to run FRSs.” Nic Dakin, Scunthorpe (*) Emma Dent Coad, Kensington (*) In May 2019 fi re minister Nick Hurd outlined a change of approach from the Home Offi ce, delaying consideration of PCCs to take on fi re governance until after the May 2020 PCC elections. Peter Dowd, Bootle David Drew, Stroud (*) In July 2019, the High Court rejected an application for a judicial review into the home secretary’s decision Gill Furniss, Sheffi eld Brightside and Hillsborough to allow the takeovers in West Mercia and Cambridgeshire. However, the judge said while he believed the Mary Glindon, North Tyneside home secretary had taken adequate consideration of public safety, they had not followed the proper ‘tests’ Nia Griffi th, Llanelli in arriving at the decision. He felt that had the home secretary followed the correct test she would most likely have arrived at the same decision. Louise Haigh, Sheffi eld Heeley Mike Hill, Hartlepool Kelvin Hopkins, Luton North (#) Imran Hussain, Bradford East E12 GENERAL ELECTION DECEMBER 2019 Ian Lavery, Wansbeck The general election on 12 December 2019 resulted in an 80-seat majority for the Conservative Party Karen Lee, Lincoln (*) under Boris Johnson. As an organisation affi liated to the Labour Party in England and Wales, the FBU Clive Lewis, Norwich South recommended a vote for Labour candidates in the relevant constituencies. FBU members Sophie Wilson Rebecca Long Bailey, Salford and Eccles and Cameron Matthews ran as Labour candidates, but were unsuccessful. Sandy Martin, Ipswich (*) Rachael Maskell, York Central Kerry McCarthy, Bristol East E13 FBU PARLIAMENTARY GROUP Andy McDonald, Middlesbrough John McDonnell, Hayes & Harlington The FBU organises a parliamentary group to advance fi refi ghters’ interests at Westminster, where many key Conor McGinn, St Helens North decisions are made that affect the fi re and rescue service. The group, drawn exclusively from Labour MPs, Liz McInnes, Heywood & Middleton (*) was chaired by Jo Stevens MP and Grahame Morris MP. Jim McMahon, Oldham West and Royton The aim of the group is to inform MPs of fi refi ghter issues and infl uence the direction of government policy. Ian Mearns, Gateshead The FBU parliamentary group is a campaigning group. It is not comprised of MPs who have any fi nancial Grahame Morris, Easington relationship with the union because of their membership, rather those who wish to work with the union and Kate Osamor, Edmonton in the interests of FBU members. Laura Pidcock, North West Durham (*) The group meets every six to eight weeks while the House of Commons is sitting, so the union can brief Angela Rayner, Ashton-under-Lyne MPs on its current campaigns. The union provides a written report to all group meetings. During the year, Lloyd Russell-Moyle, Brighton Kemptown a wide range of issues were raised, including fi refi ghters’ pay and conditions, the impact of cuts on the Paula Sherriff, Dewsbury (*) service, the threat of police and crime commissioners and the Grenfell Tower fi re. Dennis Skinner, Bolsover (*) More than half the MPs in the FBU parliamentary group held shadow frontbench positions. Group meetings Ruth Smeeth, Stoke-on-Trent North (*) are regularly attended by a signifi cant number of the frontbench team, including the leader of the opposition Cat Smith, Lancaster and Fleetwood and the shadow chancellor.

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20304 FBU Section E Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 40 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section E Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 41 21/05/2020 11:51 In the general election on 12 December 2019, some MPs stepped down (#) and others were defeated at E11 POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONERS IN ENGLAND the polls (*).

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20304 FBU Section E Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 40 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section E Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 41 21/05/2020 11:51 Laura Smith, Crewe and Nantwich (*) Jo Stevens, Cardiff Central Karl Turner, Hull East Chris Williamson, Derby North (*) SECTION F E14 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP (TUCG) TRADE UNION AND LABOUR MOVEMENT The FBU is a member of the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group (TUCG), which co-ordinates campaigning activities at Westminster on issues of common concern between member unions. The TUCG currently comprises 10 trade unions: Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU), FBU, Napo – the probation and family court staff union, National Union of Journalists (NUJ), National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), National Education Union (NEU), Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), Prison Ofﬁ cers Association (POA), United Road Transport Union (URTU) and University and College Union (UCU). The TUCG executive council met every two months during the year and organised events at TUC congress and at Westminster. F1 INTRODUCTION

The FBU sent delegations to a range of important trade union and labour movement conferences, to E15 CAMPAIGNING AND LOBBYING promote the interests of fi refi ghters and seek solidarity for FBU campaigns. The FBU strengthened its links with fi refi ghter unions across the world during the year. The union affi liates to a wide range of labour The FBU produced four issues of the Fire and Rescue Service Matters bulletin, aimed at ministers and movement-backed campaigns. FBU conference included a number of resolutions on the trade union and elected representatives at Westminster and in the devolved administrations. These were on rescues, local labour movement, including on the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Truth about Zane campaign and government settlement in England, the Grenfell Tower fi re, and fi refi ghter jobs. FBU brigades and regions Care4Calais. organised lobbies of Westminster parliament, to raise local issues with their MPs.

F2 TUC CONGRESS

The annual Trades Union Congress (TUC) took place in Brighton on 8-11 September 2019. The FBU’s delegation – Matt Wrack, Ian Murray, Andy Noble, Ben Selby, Jo Foot and Cameron Matthews – moved two resolutions at the conference, on the Grenfell Tower ﬁ re and on repealing all the anti-union laws. Both were carried.

The FBU amended motions on the public ownership of energy and on public service pensions. The union submitted an emergency motion to oppose Boris Johnson’s proroguing of parliament, but this was ruled out in favour of a TUC general council statement. FBU delegates also supported resolutions on anti-racism and Brazil solidarity.

The FBU supported a Free Our Unions fringe meeting, as part of the union’s campaign to repeal all anti- union legislation, not just the Trade Union Act 2016. The union also backed a Campaign against Climate Change fringe meeting. Matt Wrack was elected to the TUC general council and executive committee.

F3 TUC BLACK WORKERS’ CONFERENCE

TUC black workers’ conference took place at Congress House, London on 12-14 April 2019. The FBU was represented by Joseph Mendy, Dean Pounder and Karen Bell. The delegation moved a motion on working class history week. Joseph Mendy was elected to serve on the TUC race relations committee for 2019-20.

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20304 FBU Section E Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 42 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section F Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 43 21/05/2020 11:51 Laura Smith, Crewe and Nantwich (*) Jo Stevens, Cardiff Central Karl Turner, Hull East Chris Williamson, Derby North (*) SECTION F E14 TRADE UNION CO-ORDINATING GROUP (TUCG) TRADE UNION AND LABOUR MOVEMENT The FBU is a member of the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group (TUCG), which co-ordinates campaigning activities at Westminster on issues of common concern between member unions. The TUCG currently comprises 10 trade unions: Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU), FBU, Napo – the probation and family court staff union, National Union of Journalists (NUJ), National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), National Education Union (NEU), Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), Prison Ofﬁ cers Association (POA), United Road Transport Union (URTU) and University and College Union (UCU). The TUCG executive council met every two months during the year and organised events at TUC congress and at Westminster. F1 INTRODUCTION

F2 TUC CONGRESS

F3 TUC BLACK WORKERS’ CONFERENCE

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20304 FBU Section E Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 42 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section F Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 43 21/05/2020 11:51 F4 TUC LGBT CONFERENCE F10 WALES TUC

TUC LGBT conference took place at Congress House, London on 4-5 July 2019. The FBU delegation The Wales TUC is a biennial conference. There was no conference in 2019, the next will be held in consisted of Yannick Dubois, Pat Carberry, Maria Buck and Rebecca Savin. The FBU delegation moved Llandudno in 2020. Cerith Griffi ths sits on the Wales TUC general council and the FBU plays a full part in a motion calling on the TUC LGBT Committee to campaign to the Offi ce of National Statistics (ONS) to the movement in Wales. include a specifi c question relating to sexual orientation and gender identity in the 2021 census. The motion was passed by conference and it has now been confi rmed by the ONS that those questions will form part of the next census. Pat Carberry was re-elected to serve on the TUC LGBT committee for 2019-20. F11 LABOUR PARTY

During the year, the FBU maintained strong links with the Labour Party at various levels: with the Labour F5 TUC WOMEN’S CONFERENCE leadership, shadow ﬁ re minister Karen Lee, through the national Trade Union and Labour Party Liaison Organisation (TULO) and our parliamentary group of MPs at Westminster. TUC women’s conference took place at Congress House, London on 6-8 March 2019. The conference theme was Sisters in Solidarity. The FBU delegates were Holly Ferguson, Robyn Chaney, Nicola Hobbs and The Labour Party held its annual conference in Brighton on 21-25 September 2019. The FBU delegates Kathryn Duncan. The FBU delegation spoke on many issues and supported a motion from the POA relating were Matt Wrack, Andy Noble, Denise Christie and Ben Selby. FBU president Ian Murray sits on Labour’s to achieving suitable facilities for women at work. NEC and this year became its vice-chair. The FBU worked closely with the Labour for a Green New Deal campaign to secure the passage of a composite motion on the socialist Green New Deal. The motion to tackle the climate emergency combined FBU conference policy with a resolution passed by more than 100 CLPs. FBU representatives also took part in a range of fringe and The World Transformed events alongside F6 ICTU BIENNIAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE the conference.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) held its biennial delegate conference at the School of Business in Trinity College, Dublin, 2-4 July 2019. The theme of the conference was Building a Better Future for All. The FBU delegation comprised Dermot Rooney and Phil Millar. F12 LABOUR’S MANIFESTO: FIRE AND RESCUE

Labour’s 2019 election Manifesto, It’s Time for Real Change, contained strong commitments to support the fi re and rescue service: F7 STUC CONGRESS The Conservatives have cut 11,500 fi refi ghter jobs and closed dozens of fi re stations. Response times have The annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) took place in Dundee on 15-17 April 2019. The FBU got slower and lives have been put at risk. delegation consisted of Ian Murray, Chris McGlone, Denise Christie, Seona Hart and Brian Cameron. The FBU moved resolutions on fi re service cuts, fi refi ghters’ mental health and the blockade of Gaza. These A Labour government will halt the cuts and further invest in our Fire and Rescue Service, recruiting at least were carried. Denise Christie was elected to the STUC general council. 5,000 new fi refi ghters. We will learn lessons from the public inquiries into Grenfell and earlier disasters. We will establish a broadly based implementation taskforce, but will not wait for fi nal recommendations to make urgently needed changes. We will ensure dedicated fi re controls under Fire and Rescue Service governance and provide resources for a public Fire and Rescue College to ensure that necessary training, research and F8 STUC WOMEN’S CONFERENCE planning is undertaken. We will conduct a review of the Fire and Rescue Service, evaluating safe staffi ng levels and consulting The STUC women’s conference took place in Perth on 28-29 October 2019. The FBU delegation consisted on national minimum standards. We will establish in law a standards body for fi re prevention, protection of Rachel Rogers, Alison Robertson and Denise Christie. The FBU moved two resolutions on non- and intervention, with trade union representation at all levels. We will reinstate separate governance disclosure agreements and on abortion rights. Both resolutions were carried. Rachel Rogers was elected to arrangements for Fire and Rescue Service and police services. We will give fi re services the duty to the STUC women’s committee. co-ordinate the emergency response to fl oods locally.

F9 STUC LGBT+ CONFERENCE F13 PARTY CONFERENCES The STUC LGBT+ conference took place in Glasgow on 26 May 2019. The FBU was represented by Nicola During the year FBU offi cials attended conferences organised by a range of political parties to infl uence Morrow. The FBU moved two resolutions on the torture of LGBT people in Chechnya and the mental health their fi re and rescue service policies. This generally involved running a stall, distributing FBU literature and issues facing LGBT people. Both resolutions were carried. speaking to individuals.

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20304 FBU Section F Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 44 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section F Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 45 21/05/2020 11:51 F4 TUC LGBT CONFERENCE F10 WALES TUC

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20304 FBU Section F Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 44 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section F Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 45 21/05/2020 11:51 FBU members in Northern Ireland attended conferences of the fi ve major political parties represented in the NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS Northern Ireland Assembly: the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Sinn Féin, the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and the Alliance Party. Abortion Rights Maternity Action British Pensioners and Trade Union Action Marx Memorial Library FBU offi cials also attended the Scottish Labour Party, Scottish National Party (SNP) and Scottish Green Association Party conferences to lobby politicians about matters concerning the Scottish Government. Campaign against Climate Change National Assembly of Women Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) National Pensioners Convention Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom National Shop Stewards Network F14 INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY Campaign for Trade Union Freedom People’s Assembly Comprehensive Future Protect our NHS The FBU has a long-standing tradition of international solidarity, with strong links with fi refi ghters across Defend Council Housing Shrewsbury 24 campaign the globe and support for global labour movement campaigns. The FBU has regular correspondence with End Child Poverty Stand Up to Racism fi refi ghter unions around the world. The union’s international committee oversees these relations. Fuel Poverty Action Stop the War Coalition The FBU participates in the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) fi refi ghters’ network, Institute of Employment Rights Trade Union Friends of Bhopal which includes most fi refi ghter unions across Europe. The annual EPSU fi refi ghters’ meeting was held in International Brigade Memorial Trust Trade Union Friends of Searchlight Rome on 11-12 December 2019. Chris McGlone and Paul Hampton attended on behalf of the FBU. The Justice for Grenfell Unite Against Fascism main discussion was on adaptation to climate change and fi refi ghters’ role tackling fl oods and wildfi res. Labour Research Department (LRD) Woodcraft Folk The FBU assisted Scandinavian fi refi ghters with their study visit to the UK in May 2019. Head offi ce hosted Liberty Working Class Movement Library a discussion with delegates and Dave Green gave a detailed presentation on the Grenfell Tower fi re. Dave Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Green attended the fi refi ghters’ conference in Reykjavik on 18-19 October, where he made a further presentation on the Grenfell Tower fi re. INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGNS

Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) Hands off Venezuela F15 AFFILIATIONS Amnesty International Justice for Colombia Burma Campaign UK Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign During the year the FBU was affi liated to the following organisations: Campaign for Human Rights in the Philippines Palestine Solidarity Campaign Committee for the Defence of Iranian Peoples Venezuela Solidarity Campaign LABOUR MOVEMENT ORGANISATIONS Rights (CODIR) European Federation of Public Service Unions Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Cuba Solidarity Campaign War on Want (EPSU) Greece Solidarity Campaign International Centre for Trade Union Rights (ICTUR) Trade Union and Labour Party Organisation (TULO) Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) Trade Union Co-ordinating Group (TUCG) Labour Party Trades Union Congress (TUC) Momentum Wales Trades Union Congress (WTUC) F16 BLACKLISTING AND POLICE SPYING ON UNIONS Public Services International (PSI) The public inquiry into undercover policing chaired by John Mitting again made no signifi cant progress this year. The FBU has core participant status in the inquiry after the union presented evidence of police spying on some FBU offi cials over many years. The inquiry will not reveal the identities of police offi cers who FIRE ORGANISATIONS over decades spied on trade unionists, campaigners and activists. Core participants, including the FBU, continue to campaign on the issues. Fire Protection Association (FPA) The Firefi ghters Memorial Trust Fire Sector Federation (FSF) National Fire Sprinkler Network

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20304 FBU Section F Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 46 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section F Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 47 21/05/2020 11:51 FBU members in Northern Ireland attended conferences of the fi ve major political parties represented in the NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS Northern Ireland Assembly: the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Sinn Féin, the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and the Alliance Party. Abortion Rights Maternity Action British Pensioners and Trade Union Action Marx Memorial Library FBU offi cials also attended the Scottish Labour Party, Scottish National Party (SNP) and Scottish Green Association Party conferences to lobby politicians about matters concerning the Scottish Government. Campaign against Climate Change National Assembly of Women Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) National Pensioners Convention Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom National Shop Stewards Network F14 INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY Campaign for Trade Union Freedom People’s Assembly Comprehensive Future Protect our NHS The FBU has a long-standing tradition of international solidarity, with strong links with fi refi ghters across Defend Council Housing Shrewsbury 24 campaign the globe and support for global labour movement campaigns. The FBU has regular correspondence with End Child Poverty Stand Up to Racism fi refi ghter unions around the world. The union’s international committee oversees these relations. Fuel Poverty Action Stop the War Coalition The FBU participates in the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) fi refi ghters’ network, Institute of Employment Rights Trade Union Friends of Bhopal which includes most fi refi ghter unions across Europe. The annual EPSU fi refi ghters’ meeting was held in International Brigade Memorial Trust Trade Union Friends of Searchlight Rome on 11-12 December 2019. Chris McGlone and Paul Hampton attended on behalf of the FBU. The Justice for Grenfell Unite Against Fascism main discussion was on adaptation to climate change and fi refi ghters’ role tackling fl oods and wildfi res. Labour Research Department (LRD) Woodcraft Folk The FBU assisted Scandinavian fi refi ghters with their study visit to the UK in May 2019. Head offi ce hosted Liberty Working Class Movement Library a discussion with delegates and Dave Green gave a detailed presentation on the Grenfell Tower fi re. Dave Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Green attended the fi refi ghters’ conference in Reykjavik on 18-19 October, where he made a further presentation on the Grenfell Tower fi re. INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGNS

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20304 FBU Section F Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 46 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section F Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 47 21/05/2020 11:51 F17 TRUTH ABOUT ZANE

Zane Gbangbola was a seven year old boy who lost his life on 8 February 2014 during the severe fl ooding on the River Thames in Surrey. The coroner judged Zane’s death to be from carbon monoxide poisoning after the family returned home after the fl oods. However the deadly nerve gas hydrogen cyanide was also detected, and independently verifi ed by HAZMAT teams within Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. This was believed to have been released from an unregulated landfi ll site that lay adjacent to Zane’s home. SECTION G

Zane’s parents Nicole and Kye set up the Truth about Zane (TAZ) campaign to demand an independent panel inquiry into his death. FBU conference voted to support the campaign, with Surrey FBU ofﬁ cials EDUCATION participating in its committee.

F18 CARE4CALAIS

FBU conference 2019 passed policy on the refugee crisis, including the humanitarian response to the Mediterranean and other areas by FBU members and other international ﬁ reﬁ ghters. The executive council agreed to set up exploratory solidarity visits as part of the Care4Calais initiative. G1 INTRODUCTION

Two visits were organised in August and December 2019 to explore the feasibility of delivering solidarity to The executive council recognises the importance of ongoing trade union education and supported a refugees from the FBU. The trips were used to develop an educational programme on the refugee crisis. national programme of schools and seminars during the year. A total of 360 FBU ofﬁ cials completed these The FBU negotiated discounted tickets for ferry crossings because of the humanitarian purpose of the trip. approved and accredited courses.

All attendees were required to produce a report on their experience and develop a presentation for use at local committees and at branch level. Reports from each visit were given to the executive council and a summary published in Fireﬁ ghter magazine. G2 FBU TRADE UNION EDUCATION STRATEGY AND PROGRAMME

The ambition of the FBU trade union education programme in 2019 was to enable offi cials at all levels to: • develop the strength and capacity of the FBU to make a difference to the lived reality of members F19 WIDER LABOUR MOVEMENT CAMPAIGNING • support the union’s work in the context of the wider trade union movement and defence of the fi re and rescue service. Signifi cant FBU mobilisations for trade union marches or events included: • Stand Up to Racism march – 16 March As in previous years the FBU education programme 2019 consisted of a number of interlinked parts – the • Climate Emergency rally in Parliament Square – 1 May introductory offer for new offi cials, education in health, safety and welfare, a progression offer for offi cials • Demonstration outside the British embassy supporting fi refi ghter Miguel Roldan – 9 May in brigade and regional positions, and a range of schools and seminars to support sectional members and • Durham Miners’ Gala – 13 July representatives. These were complemented with political education through national school. • Tolpuddle Martyrs’ festival – 19-21 July • Pride events, including London and Belfast The development of the programme continued in line with the expressed wishes of regions and Conference. • March for democracy – 18 August The 2019 programme continued to refl ect the needs analysis information gathered from a survey of regions • Harland and Wolff occupation – 23 August in 2018. In July 2019 regions were invited to complete a questionnaire designed to help identify education • Labour for a Green New Deal rally outside Labour conference – 21 September priorities for 2020. Courses in the branch and new brigade offi cials’ introductory offer were again identifi ed • Rally outside Conservative Party conference – 29 September. as a priority. The content of courses continued to be updated to ensure relevance to offi cials in the current industrial and political landscape. FBU members and offi cials attended numerous events in solidarity with the bereaved, survivors and residents of the Grenfell Tower fi re, including every monthly silent walk. In total, 508 places were fi lled on 29 courses during the year and feedback was largely very positive.

G3 INTRODUCTORY OFFER FOR BRANCH AND NEW BRIGADE OFFICIALS

The introductory programme for branch and new brigade offi cials sought to ensure that offi cials received essential training on organising their branch, supporting members and working with management. The offer consisted of an initial pathway package including the Introductory Branch Offi cials course, the Preparing Discipline Casework and Representation at Hearings course and the Grievance and Fairness at Work

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20304 FBU Section F Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 48 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section G Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 49 21/05/2020 11:52 F17 TRUTH ABOUT ZANE

F18 CARE4CALAIS

G3 INTRODUCTORY OFFER FOR BRANCH AND NEW BRIGADE OFFICIALS

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20304 FBU Section F Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 48 21/05/2020 11:51 20304 FBU Section G Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 49 21/05/2020 11:52 course. All courses were fully rewritten to ensure that the initial package gave new offi cials confi dence and knowledge in representing members both individually and collectively, and encouraged them to strengthen G6 SECTION SEMINARS AND SCHOOLS the presence of the union in their workplace. Educational events for members of the union’s equality sections were a signifi cant part of the 2019 This year, one in three of the 154 reps who undertook the Introductory Branch Offi cials course went on to programme. One in four of the members who attended equality section schools in 2019 also attended complete another FBU trade union education course. In 2019, compared to 2018, there has been: branch or brigade offi cials’ education or a health and safety course. • a 14% increase in the number of reps undertaking the Introductory course • a 54% increase in the number of reps being trained in Preparing Discipline Casework and Women’s school 2019 took place at Wortley Hall in April. It was supported by tutors Julie Weekes and Representation at Hearings Helen Nolan. Sessions included speakers from Stand up to Racism and Period Power, and a range of • a 34% increase in the number of reps participating in the Grievance and Fairness at Work course workshops on themes such as women fi refi ghters’ health, the best practice documents (referred to in compared to uptake of the previous Introduction to Fairness at Work course. Section H), the Equality Act, FBU conference, making your voice heard, and being a feminist fi refi ghter.

B&EMM school 2019 was held at Wortley Hall in October and entitled, Equality and diversity in the workplace: why we must organise collectively for progress. The event was well attended and participants heard from speakers including Roger McKenzie, Unison AGS, and Kye and Nicole Gbangbola from the G4 HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE EDUCATION Truth About Zane campaign. Sessions focused on FBU structures, why we need trade unions, the need for diversity among service managers, migration and scapegoating, and FBU Conference. The tutor for the Health, safety and welfare education in the FBU aims to improve the knowledge and confi dence of safety school was Michael Cudjoe of West Thames College. reps to make real improvements in health and safety practice in workplaces across the fi re and rescue service. LGBT school 2019 was held in Manchester in October and included presentations from Mermaids, Gendered Intelligence and Mind Out. Tam McFarlane led a session as the national offi cer with the remit The health, safety and welfare pathway programme consisted of the Introduction to Health, Safety for equality in the union. Group work sessions focused on LGBT history, understanding the FBU as a and Welfare and the Mental Health for Trade Unionists in the UKFRS course. The Serious Accident democratic and collective organisation, trade union organising, and priorities for the section in 2020. A Investigations course was postponed while the Executive Council conducted a review of the relevant closed session enabled members to share their experiences and support one another. guidance. Safety reps were also encouraged to engage in TUC health and safety courses where available.

G5 PROGRESSION FOR BRIGADE AND REGIONAL OFFICIALS G7 SOLIDARITY EDUCATION This year the focus of solidarity education has been to support the refugee solidarity work with Care4Calais. The brigade and regional offi cials’ programme seeks to add progression learning to established offi cials’ An education session has been developed to run in Dover before departure, engaging participants in knowledge and experience, and enable them to confi dently undertake a range of responsibilities at that discussions around the need for authentic working class witnesses, the geography and history of countries level. refugees in Calais may have come from, and the difference between charity and solidarity.

The progression offer in 2019 included a new Social Media for Trade Unionists course which was developed as a result of Conference 2018 resolution, an Equality Law Update facilitated by Thompsons solicitors, and an Organisers’ Seminar. The Pensions and Medical Appeals course was postponed while the pensions case was pending to ensure that ofﬁ cials received accurate information. G8 NATIONAL SCHOOL

A resolution from Conference 2018 required head offi ce to develop a political education offer for those For the fi rst time in a number of years national school became a two-stage educational event, as members members interested in standing for elected offi ce. Three offi cials took part in a Trade Union and Labour who participated in the November 2018 school were invited to join a second part held in County Durham in Party Liaison Organisation (TULO) residential school, which was well-received. Subsequently an FBU school July 2019. was designed and offered to enable a wider group of offi cials the opportunity to fi nd out more about local and national electoral politics and explore some of the processes, skills and challenges involved in standing Part II began with two half-day classroom sessions at a venue in Sedgefi eld, with discussions including for offi ce. Unfortunately only fi ve applications for this course were received and it did not take place. ‘austerity, neoliberalism and the global economy’, ‘the far right – are they a threat to workers?’, campaign skills and strategic working. The general secretary addressed the event. Following a move to Durham During 2018-2019 the focus of the education programme has been the development of the Introductory city centre, the group made a visit to Redhills (the Durham Miners’ Hall) with a tour by Dave Temple from pathway, with improved participation and updated content and approach. While this work will continue, a the Durham Miners’ Association, and had a joint evening event with activists from the National Education renewed focus on the progression pathway began later in 2019. A wider range of courses is anticipated Union exploring similarities and differences in engaging trade union members in the current public sector for new and existing brigade offi cials next year, with newly created or reworked courses on Conference, environment. On Saturday the group marched with the FBU delegation in the Durham Miners’ Gala and bargaining and negotiation, ADAE, accident investigations, and communication and campaigning skills. campaigned on the fi eld to engage those assembled in the Grenfell – Never Again campaign, which was met with unanimous support.

The event was successful and received very positive evaluations. The same approach will be taken with Part II next year and the event will return to the Durham Miners’ Gala, as recommended unanimously by 2019 participants.

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20304 FBU Section G Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 50 21/05/2020 11:52 20304 FBU Section G Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 51 21/05/2020 11:52 course. All courses were fully rewritten to ensure that the initial package gave new offi cials confi dence and knowledge in representing members both individually and collectively, and encouraged them to strengthen G6 SECTION SEMINARS AND SCHOOLS the presence of the union in their workplace. Educational events for members of the union’s equality sections were a signifi cant part of the 2019 This year, one in three of the 154 reps who undertook the Introductory Branch Offi cials course went on to programme. One in four of the members who attended equality section schools in 2019 also attended complete another FBU trade union education course. In 2019, compared to 2018, there has been: branch or brigade offi cials’ education or a health and safety course. • a 14% increase in the number of reps undertaking the Introductory course • a 54% increase in the number of reps being trained in Preparing Discipline Casework and Women’s school 2019 took place at Wortley Hall in April. It was supported by tutors Julie Weekes and Representation at Hearings Helen Nolan. Sessions included speakers from Stand up to Racism and Period Power, and a range of • a 34% increase in the number of reps participating in the Grievance and Fairness at Work course workshops on themes such as women fi refi ghters’ health, the best practice documents (referred to in compared to uptake of the previous Introduction to Fairness at Work course. Section H), the Equality Act, FBU conference, making your voice heard, and being a feminist fi refi ghter.

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20304 FBU Section G Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 50 21/05/2020 11:52 20304 FBU Section G Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 51 21/05/2020 11:52 National school (Part I) took place at Wortley Hall in November for the 2019-20 cohort. A meeting of RELOs took place in September and discussion included feedback from the regional survey The school was opened by the president. The busy four-day programme included the following sessions: and an initial draft of the proposed programme for 2019 was made available for comment in the meeting. • The ABCs of Ideologies with Gregor Gall The discussion included matters such as suitable venues, course content including equality issues, and • 2020 Vision Reclaiming Control of our Services – a panel discussion with Matt Wrack and the general new courses in development. secretaries of the University and College Union and the Communication Workers Union, exploring similarities in the attacks on each service and the possibilities for solidarity and unity across the trade union movement • A half-day on The Changing UKFRS which included speaker input, group work and a plenary session G10 TUC EDUCATION in which participants debated the relative pros and cons of four potential future options for the UKFRS Courses in the FBU trade union education programme in 2019 were accredited by the National Open • An exploration of climate crisis issues with a speaker from the Campaign Against Climate Chance College Network through trade union studies departments in the following further education colleges: Trade Union Group and group work considering the implications for the UKFRS • The College of Haringey, Enfi eld and North East London (CONEL) • A presentation on organising and recruitment featuring the Union’s new tools for showcasing the • Shrewsbury Colleges Group FBU to recruits • City of Bristol College. • Speaker sessions that sought to illustrate the impact of the state on the lives of individuals, with a discussion about police infi ltration and blacklisting (which most participants were previously unaware The relationship with CONEL, our college partner for accreditation of the core programme, continues to of) and an account of the refugee camps in northern France and the solidarity action around the develop and thrive. As reported in recent years, the national picture regarding future public funding for TUC people living there education courses remains dire. This year saw the closure of more trade union studies departments and • Two Labour parliamentary candidates, Laura Pidcock and FBU member Sophie Wilson, took time further complication of the funding mechanisms. Union education offi cers from the affi liate unions continue from general election campaign activities to address the school. to meet with relevant TUC staff to emphasise the impact of the vastly reduced number of colleges offering trade union education and the continuing need for education that brings workers from different unions Participants worked in small groups in sessions on the second and third day of the event to research and together. make a campaign fi lm to bring about change around an issue raised during the school. The fi lmmaking was supported throughout by Shaun Dey of Reel News.

Evenings were occupied with the Banner Theatre performance celebrating 150 years of the labour movement, a poetry workshop with Anthony Anaxagorou, and the annual quiz followed by songs from the G11 UNION LEARNING FUND movement late into the fi nal night. The 2019-20 year was the start of a multi-year funding bid. The multi-year aspect relies on payment by results, which breaks down to achieving monthly targets and reaching yearly profi les, which increase year National school sessions were chaired by the president, the members of the executive council education on year within the multi-year bid. The project and learning centre staff are seeking further engagement and subcommittee, and the national offi cer with the equality remit. The tutors were Helen Nolan and Dave Smith support from offi cials, members, family and friends as these challenging targets are set from Unionlearn and and the school was accredited through CONEL. in agreement with the Department for Education. Last year it was hoped that regions and brigades would come to regard the school as an essential part of It has been another successful funding year for the FBU ULF and Learning Centre. Examples included the development of their emerging activists and offi cials, and that as the positive feedback from that school a successful audit, meeting our contractual targets from the DfE, numerous case studies appearing in was shared at local level, then the nominations this year would increase. This was indeed the case as the TUC publications, ongoing Matrix accreditation, successful due diligence, admission onto the Register 2019 school was oversubscribed. of Approved Training Providers (RoATP), the numbers completing our courses and gaining accreditation, updating our dyslexia awareness course, FBU ULR school, new ULRs in regions and producing our Participants were predominantly identifi ed as developing offi cials by their regions and sections, although ground-breaking three-part heat illness prevention and awareness (HIPA) learning package, supporting the some more established offi cials attended as they had not taken part in national school previously and region 1, 2 and 8 devolved bids and delivering level 3 personal training apprenticeships. had not fi lled their region’s allocated places. All regions were represented and LGBT, B&EMM and Control sections also nominated participants. The general requirement to have contributed to FBU trade union The FBU learning centre remains successful in maintaining ‘A’ grades for our distance learning qualifi cations education recently (in 2018 or 2019) was applied to all nominations. It is anticipated that the same and maintains direct claim status for those. We have also recently expanded into new courses, which can approach will be taken to building participation at next year’s school. be accessed via www.fbueducation.org Feedback was incredibly positive, including that provided verbally to tutors and offi cials during the course, The learning centre remains fully accredited through City and Guilds, British Computer Society, NCFE/ emails received in the days after the event, and feedback submitted through the evaluation forms. Enquiries Cache, TQUK and ActiveIQ and our members of the British Dyslexia Association and also offers an online have already been received in anticipation of national school 2020. British Sign Language course at a discounted price.

G9 REGIONAL EDUCATION AND LEARNING ORGANISERS (RELOS)

Regional education and learning ofﬁ cers continued to be a vital element of the FBU trade union education programme. During the year they were instrumental in building support for education, engaging ofﬁ cials in courses, undertaking needs analysis and providing practical and logistical support for the delivery of the programme.

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20304 FBU Section G Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 52 21/05/2020 11:52 20304 FBU Section G Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 53 21/05/2020 11:52 National school (Part I) took place at Wortley Hall in November for the 2019-20 cohort. A meeting of RELOs took place in September and discussion included feedback from the regional survey The school was opened by the president. The busy four-day programme included the following sessions: and an initial draft of the proposed programme for 2019 was made available for comment in the meeting. • The ABCs of Ideologies with Gregor Gall The discussion included matters such as suitable venues, course content including equality issues, and • 2020 Vision Reclaiming Control of our Services – a panel discussion with Matt Wrack and the general new courses in development. secretaries of the University and College Union and the Communication Workers Union, exploring similarities in the attacks on each service and the possibilities for solidarity and unity across the trade union movement • A half-day on The Changing UKFRS which included speaker input, group work and a plenary session G10 TUC EDUCATION in which participants debated the relative pros and cons of four potential future options for the UKFRS Courses in the FBU trade union education programme in 2019 were accredited by the National Open • An exploration of climate crisis issues with a speaker from the Campaign Against Climate Chance College Network through trade union studies departments in the following further education colleges: Trade Union Group and group work considering the implications for the UKFRS • The College of Haringey, Enfi eld and North East London (CONEL) • A presentation on organising and recruitment featuring the Union’s new tools for showcasing the • Shrewsbury Colleges Group FBU to recruits • City of Bristol College. • Speaker sessions that sought to illustrate the impact of the state on the lives of individuals, with a discussion about police infi ltration and blacklisting (which most participants were previously unaware The relationship with CONEL, our college partner for accreditation of the core programme, continues to of) and an account of the refugee camps in northern France and the solidarity action around the develop and thrive. As reported in recent years, the national picture regarding future public funding for TUC people living there education courses remains dire. This year saw the closure of more trade union studies departments and • Two Labour parliamentary candidates, Laura Pidcock and FBU member Sophie Wilson, took time further complication of the funding mechanisms. Union education offi cers from the affi liate unions continue from general election campaign activities to address the school. to meet with relevant TUC staff to emphasise the impact of the vastly reduced number of colleges offering trade union education and the continuing need for education that brings workers from different unions Participants worked in small groups in sessions on the second and third day of the event to research and together. make a campaign fi lm to bring about change around an issue raised during the school. The fi lmmaking was supported throughout by Shaun Dey of Reel News.

G9 REGIONAL EDUCATION AND LEARNING ORGANISERS (RELOS)

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20304 FBU Section G Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 52 21/05/2020 11:52 20304 FBU Section G Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 53 21/05/2020 11:52 SECTION H

EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS AT WORK

H1 INTRODUCTION

During the year the National Joint Council (NJC) led Inclusive Fire Service Group (IFSG) made further progress implementing equalities strategies for the ﬁ re and rescue service. The union’s equality sections continued to organise, representing members facing discrimination, bullying, harassment or victimisation at work, as well as campaigning in the ﬁ re and rescue service and the wider world.

H2 INCLUSIVE FIRE SERVICE GROUP (IFSG)

The NJC’s Inclusive Fire Service Group (IFSG) has been the main vehicle for improvement of equality, diversity and cultural issues in the ﬁ re and rescue service. Representatives from the FBU, the employers and other interested parties make up the group.

In 2017 the IFSG undertook a comprehensive piece of work by engaging directly with ﬁ re and rescue services and their staff to consider equality, diversity, cultural and behavioural issues. The purpose was to develop improvement strategies at local level. The strategies were published and taken forward within ﬁ re and rescue services.

To further support this important work, the IFSG has commissioned LGA Research to independently conduct a series of focus groups. These focus groups are intended to capture the current experiences of employees working within the ﬁ re service. The union will be encouraging involvement in these groups from members in our equality sections.

The IFSG also examined HMICFRS assessments of equality and diversity matters in England.

H3 B&EMM SECTION REPORT

During 2019 the B&EMM national committee continued its work to progress equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as championing wider societal equality issues.

Part of this work has been being engaged at strategic level discussion at the NJC Inclusive Fire Services Group (IFSG). FBU B&EMM ofﬁ cials have assisted the IFSG in reviewing whether these strategies have been embedded and to what degree they have been successful or not. A series of surveys, focus

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20304 FBU Section G Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 54 21/05/2020 11:52 20304 FBU Section H Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 55 21/05/2020 11:52 SECTION H

EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS AT WORK

H1 INTRODUCTION

H2 INCLUSIVE FIRE SERVICE GROUP (IFSG)

The IFSG also examined HMICFRS assessments of equality and diversity matters in England.

H3 B&EMM SECTION REPORT

During 2019 the B&EMM national committee continued its work to progress equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as championing wider societal equality issues.

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20304 FBU Section G Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 54 21/05/2020 11:52 20304 FBU Section H Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 55 21/05/2020 11:52 groups and workshops have been arranged to that end assessing success in recruitment, retention and The December committee meeting also included the section and committee AGMs. During 2019 the LGBT progression of BAME, women and LGBT fi refi ghters. chair and secretary and other equality section offi cials met with the president, general secretary, executive council and national offi cers. Following conference resolutions and amendments to the All Different, All Equal policy, B&EMM offi cials were part of the task and fi nish group undertaking the review work. During the summer Pride season LGBT committee members attended and supported various Pride events. Notably the LGBT committee attended Belfast Pride to support members and offi cials from region 2. This B&EMM offi cials were engaged with the international working class solidarity initiative to Calais, extending was part of the campaign to promote the entitlement to recognition of equal marriage in Northern Ireland. In our support to other working class people. The initiative is not charity, it is solidarity. Our working class January 2020 the necessary legislation came into effect in Northern Ireland. movement must be international or it is nothing. This initiative received wide support from other external parties, who recognised the union’s humanitarian and outward-facing campaign, which rejects isolationism A list of LGBT regional reps is found in Section L. Reports of LGBT participation at labour movement and division along ethnic lines. conferences is in Section F. The report of the LGBT school is in Section G.

B&EMM national chair Cameron Matthews was an FBU delegate at TUC Congress and spoke in support of the motion tackling racist ideologies, as well as playing an active role in deliberating the FBU position on other motions. H5 WOMEN’S SECTION REPORT

National B&EMM school was held at Wortley Hall, Sheffi eld on 4-6 October 2019 and was entitled Equality The FBU’s National Women’s Committee (NWC) continued to represent women members during the year. and diversity in the workplace: why we must organise collectively for progress. The school was well Offi cials have represented and given advice and support to a number of women members on issues such attended, with a programme and students heard from numerous guest speakers over the weekend. The as bullying and harassment, menopause, maternity, facilities, personal protective equipment (PPE) and education programme covered: the FBU and wider trade unionism, political and workplace organisation, fi tness standards. how we effect positive change. The NWC has worked alongside the FBU’s national health and safety committee to progress issues around The B&EMM national committee met three times during the year: PPE and workwear. A workwear and PPE survey of women FBU members has been completed and is • 19 March in London being analysed. Prominent PPE suppliers have been written to on various issues around gender-specifi c fi re • 14 June in London kit. This information is being gathered and analysed. • 3 September at Wortley Hall. FBU best practice guidance documents around pregnancy, menopause, domestic violence and facilities are BEMM offi cials have regularly attended the monthly Grenfell silent walk throughout the year, standing in under review. solidarity with the local community and London fi refi ghters. We demand justice for Grenfell and will not stop until it is achieved. In 2019, there have been changes to the NWC executive. Kathryn Duncan is now secretary, with Louise Connell remaining chair and Holly Ferguson in the vice chair position. The annual NWC women’s school A list of B&EMM regional reps is found in Section L. Reports of B&EMM participation at labour movement was held at Wortley Hall in April, and once again was a huge success, with a record number of fi rst time conferences is in Section F. The report of B&EMM school is in Section G. attendees. The NWC met on four occasions during the year: • 31 January in London • 5 June in Nottingham • 10 September in Bristol H4 LGBT SECTION REPORT • 28-29 November at Wortley Hall.

The FBU’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) committee continues to provide support, representation During 2019 the NWC and other equality section offi cials attended meetings with the general secretary and and advice on LGBT issues to members and offi cials of our union. The HMICFRS reports identifi ed that the executive council. almost all fi re and rescue services are failing in their duty to provide an inclusive service. The second wave of inspections will review improvement since the initial inspections. This is motivating fi re services to engage A list of NWC regional reps is found in Section L. Reports of the NWC participation at labour movement with FBU equality sections. conferences is in Section F.

However the inspectorate report released in January 2020 made reference to the issues around race and gender, but failed to include LGBT in its ﬁ ndings. The LGBT committee will continue to ensure issues affecting our members are included in future inspection reports, as well as being at the heart of any future inclusion initiatives.

The annual LGBT school was held in Manchester on 29-31 October. The LGBT committee met on four occasions in 2019: • 12 February in London • 20 June in London • 2 August in Belfast • 11 December in London.

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20304 FBU Section H Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 56 21/05/2020 11:52 20304 FBU Section H Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 57 21/05/2020 11:52 groups and workshops have been arranged to that end assessing success in recruitment, retention and The December committee meeting also included the section and committee AGMs. During 2019 the LGBT progression of BAME, women and LGBT fi refi ghters. chair and secretary and other equality section offi cials met with the president, general secretary, executive council and national offi cers. Following conference resolutions and amendments to the All Different, All Equal policy, B&EMM offi cials were part of the task and fi nish group undertaking the review work. During the summer Pride season LGBT committee members attended and supported various Pride events. Notably the LGBT committee attended Belfast Pride to support members and offi cials from region 2. This B&EMM offi cials were engaged with the international working class solidarity initiative to Calais, extending was part of the campaign to promote the entitlement to recognition of equal marriage in Northern Ireland. In our support to other working class people. The initiative is not charity, it is solidarity. Our working class January 2020 the necessary legislation came into effect in Northern Ireland. movement must be international or it is nothing. This initiative received wide support from other external parties, who recognised the union’s humanitarian and outward-facing campaign, which rejects isolationism A list of LGBT regional reps is found in Section L. Reports of LGBT participation at labour movement and division along ethnic lines. conferences is in Section F. The report of the LGBT school is in Section G.

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20304 FBU Section H Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 56 21/05/2020 11:52 20304 FBU Section H Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 57 21/05/2020 11:52 H6 ADAE REPRESENTATION REQUESTS

The table shows the number of all different all equal (ADAE) requests for representation received by regional secretaries.

Requests for Not Appeals Appeals 2018 Granted Appeals representation Granted Rejected Upheld SECTION I Region 01 0 Region 02 0 ACCIDENT AND INJURY FUND (AIF) Region 03 1 1 Region 04 0 Region 05 1 1 1 1 Region 06 2 2 Region 07 3 2 1 Region 08 0 Region 09 0 Region 10 2 2 I1 INTRODUCTION Region 11 2 2 The management committee of the accident and injury fund (AIF) is chaired by the vice-president and Region 12 0 administered by a national ofﬁ cer.

In 2019 executive council members on the committee were:

Andy Noble Matt Lamb Cerith Grifﬁ ths Brian Hooper

Dave Green was secretary.

On joining the union, all members should be urged by brigade and branch ofﬁ cials to access the potential beneﬁ ts of the AIF, by becoming a member of the fund.

Ofﬁ cials at brigade and branch level should also ensure that members adhere to the rules of the fund, with particular attention to the time limits required for submitting claims.

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20304 FBU Section H Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 58 21/05/2020 11:52 20304 FBU Section I Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 59 21/05/2020 11:52 H6 ADAE REPRESENTATION REQUESTS

The table shows the number of all different all equal (ADAE) requests for representation received by regional secretaries.

In 2019 executive council members on the committee were:

Andy Noble Matt Lamb Cerith Grifﬁ ths Brian Hooper

Dave Green was secretary.

On joining the union, all members should be urged by brigade and branch ofﬁ cials to access the potential beneﬁ ts of the AIF, by becoming a member of the fund.

Ofﬁ cials at brigade and branch level should also ensure that members adhere to the rules of the fund, with particular attention to the time limits required for submitting claims.

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20304 FBU Section H Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 58 21/05/2020 11:52 20304 FBU Section I Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 59 21/05/2020 11:52 Total amount £24,247.40 £77,578.10 £33,164.20 £80,475.50 £22,906.20 £140,904.70 £222,007.00 £119,114.00 £123,219.55 £101,974.10 £119,843.40 £173,414.40 £1,238,848.55 SECTION J 4 5 11 16 12 29 61 36 29 20 14 124 361 LEGAL REPORT payments Total number of 4 3 4 4 1 1 1 1 20 Death of £5,986.80 £6,106.60 £6,106.60 £24,186.80 £18,319.80 £24,247.40 dependant £24,426.400 J1 INTRODUCTION 3 1 1 6 In 2019, the FBU legal scheme and Thompsons Solicitors secured more than £5.6m in compensation Ex-gratia for members and their families, at and away from work. The union provided advice, assistance and representation to a large number of members in employment rights, professional misconduct and personal injury, as well as providing advice to the union itself. 6 7 3 5 4 1 4 5 8

44 Some of the most signiﬁ cant cases of the year in each practice area are summarised below. All settlements member Death of are ‘out of court’ settlements unless reference to a trial or tribunal is included. The vast majority of our £95,401.00 £38,420.00 £90,167.00 £4,000.00 £6,106.60 £73,279.20 £91,387.80 £115,186.80 £103,361.40 £11,680.80 £147,157.80 £15,000.00 successful claims are concluded without the need for FBU members to attend court. 1111 1 2 £14,819 £5,000.00 £5,000.00 £6,106.60 Accident and injury fund J2 GRENFELL TOWER INQUIRY Permanent disablement

Summary for the year ended 31 December 2019 During 2019, Thompsons continued to represent the FBU in the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry (GTI) before Sir Martin Moore-Bick, liaising throughout with national and regional ofﬁ cials. In October 2019, the GTI produced its report on Phase 1 of the inquiry focussing on the events of the night in question. The report, 1 5 5 6 8 48 25 14 112 on which the FBU has set out its response in detail elsewhere (see Section E), relied heavily on the candid

£1,531.10 and open testimony of dozens of FBU members.

Phase 2 of the inquiry opened in 2020. The FBU legal team will seek to place the corporate witnesses under on duty similar scrutiny to fi refi ghter witnesses. In Phase 2 the GTI should start to uncover the systemic failures that led 4 4 1 3 66 18 34 17 17 13 to the impossible position fi refi ghters found themselves in at Grenfell Tower on the night of the fi re. 177 Temporary disablement £9,059.50 £5,672.20 £4,071.80 £2,238.60 £2,129.60 £9,127.00 ON DUTY OFF DUTY £54,822.70 £53,463.50 £18,939.55 £4,006.40 £37,486.90 £22,722.10 £15,266.50 £5,000.00 £12,406.40 £10,301.70 £14,727.40 £7,621.60 £16,799.60 £172,682.05 £114,445.60 £30,085.50 £764.361.00 £35,680.80 £121,593.60 J3 EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS

FIVE-FIGURE SETTLEMENT IN CONSTRUCTIVE DISMISSAL CASE Amount paid Amount paid Amount paid Amount paid Amount paid Amount paid Amount paid Amount paid Amount paid Amount paid Amount paid Amount paid No. of payments No. of payments No. of payments No. of payments No. of payments No. of payments No. of payments No. of payments No. of payments No. of payments No. of payments No. of payments Thompsons were able to secure a signiﬁ cant settlement after an FBU member resigned following a

Total amount substantial reduction in responsibility. A group manager was assigned to a post in the strategic risk group in July 2017, having held the role on a temporary basis since June 2016. However, shortly after his 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL NO. OF PAYMENTS appointment he received an email from his line manager of an adjustment to team management lines with immediate effect. This resulted in the member losing more than 75% of his responsibilities. Region

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20304 FBU Section I Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 60 21/05/2020 11:52 20304 FBU Section J Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 61 21/05/2020 11:53 Total amount £24,247.40 £77,578.10 £33,164.20 £80,475.50 £22,906.20 £140,904.70 £222,007.00 £119,114.00 £123,219.55 £101,974.10 £119,843.40 £173,414.40 £1,238,848.55 SECTION J 4 5 11 16 12 29 61 36 29 20 14 124 361 LEGAL REPORT payments Total number of 4 3 4 4 1 1 1 1 20 Death of £5,986.80 £6,106.60 £6,106.60 £24,186.80 £18,319.80 £24,247.40 dependant £24,426.400 J1 INTRODUCTION 3 1 1 6 In 2019, the FBU legal scheme and Thompsons Solicitors secured more than £5.6m in compensation Ex-gratia for members and their families, at and away from work. The union provided advice, assistance and representation to a large number of members in employment rights, professional misconduct and personal injury, as well as providing advice to the union itself. 6 7 3 5 4 1 4 5 8

£1,531.10 and open testimony of dozens of FBU members.

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20304 FBU Section I Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 60 21/05/2020 11:52 20304 FBU Section J Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 61 21/05/2020 11:53 The member approached the manager assigned to act as his mentor, the deputy chief fi re offi cer, who was MEMBER PUT AT UNNECESSARY RISK WHEN ATTENDING HOUSE FIRE unable to provide any support. A week later he tendered his resignation, indicating this was for a number of both personal and professional reasons. The member decided not to expressly refer to his change in role An FBU member was sent into a burning building after a crew member had confi rmed the only occupant as the reason for his resignation as he did not feel it would make a difference and wanted to leave on the was deceased. While he was in the building attempting to tackle the roof fi re, the loft hatch collapsed under best terms possible. He did however refer to his line manager’s conduct as the reason for his resignation in the weight of the debris from the roof, falling on the member and injuring him. a subsequent email. It was alleged that the risk of sending the member into the burning building outweighed any potential The employing fi re and rescue service tried to argue that the member was performing poorly in their role benefi t. It was also alleged that the remaining fi re could have been fought using an aerial appliance. The and that his line manager was entitled to make the changes made. However, none of these issues had fi re authority denied liability on the basis that a dynamic risk assessment had been carried out and that the been raised with the member previously. In fact, the member’s most recent appraisal had been entirely incident commander considered the property structurally sound. positive. A claim was submitted for constructive dismissal and eventually settled through ACAS for £40,000, a sum that represented nearly all of the member’s losses. The trial was adjourned after the employing fi re and rescue service failed to disclose all relevant documentation, and despite only disclosing a few additional documents ahead of the re-listed trial, the employer applied to adjourn for a second time, claiming the incident commander was not available to SETTLEMENT SECURED FOLLOWING UNFAIR DISMISSAL attend. The court refused the application and the matter proceeded to trial. One witness gave evidence for the fi re and rescue service, but the judge found in favour of the member and he was awarded £6,300. Following 16 years of exemplary service, a station manager was disciplined and subsequently dismissed for alleged bullying and harassment. The matter was settled confi dentially following a three-day hearing, where the member was reinstated and the respondent employing fi re and rescue service agreed to a fi nancial MEMBER PUT IN INDUCED COMA RECEIVES £40,000 settlement. An FBU member was taking part in a heat training exercise when he removed his demand valve on the advice of an instructor, resulting in him inhaling excessive amounts of heated external air. The member was overcome with the heat and became very ill. He was treated at a specialist hospital where he was eventually J4 ACCIDENTS AT WORK placed into an induced coma. The member ultimately accepted an offer of £40,000 damages.

EMPLOYER PAYS OUT AFTER TRAINING DRILL INJURY WATER RESCUE TRAINING LEAVES MEMBER INJURED

In March 2018, an FBU member was taking part in a training drill at work. His colleagues were in a building. An FBU member was acting as a casualty in a water rescue training exercise at Cardiff White Water One was involved with dropping fi re hoses, prior to lowering by line from an upstairs window. The fi refi ghter Centre. He was instructed to fl oat down part of the water course so that other fi refi ghters could rescue was outside the building when the fi rst hose was dropped. A shouted warning was given. However, when him. However, when he was being pulled in, his colleague lost his footing, dropping the line. This the second hose was dropped, no such warning was given and nobody was monitoring the area below. resulted in the member falling over the waterfall section of the course, hitting his lower back on an When the hose was dropped, it struck the member on his head. underwater bollard.

The member accepted there was a warning given in respect of the dropping of the ﬁ rst hose, but not the The member sustained an injury to his coccyx and his employment with the ﬁ re and rescue service was second, larger hose. The defendant denied liability on the basis that there were proper warnings given and ultimately terminated on the grounds of ill health. The defendant’s insurers refused to negotiate a settlement, the member had simply walked back into the danger zone when he should have been standing clear after so Thompsons issued court proceedings to secure £75,000 in gross damages. giving the appropriate command for the colleague to start lowering the hose. A key feature was whether a warning should have been given on each occasion that hose was being dropped and lowered from the building. INCORRECT STORAGE LEADS TO BACK STRAIN

Witness evidence obtained on behalf of the member confi rmed that there had been warnings given for the An FBU member in Scotland was left injured during an inspection of rescue equipment. The member was fi rst hose, but no warning was given for the second hose. They also confi rmed that the colleague who was required to use a forklift truck to move two units which were stored incorrectly and were entangled, as they lowering the hose had not been monitoring the area below. The defendant disclosed various documents, were blocking the way to the rescue equipment. After the inspection the member was required to move including an investigation report, which identifi ed possible failures with the exercise drill. Compensation of the two units back into place and as he did so, he suffered an injury to his back. A medical report was £10,000 was secured. obtained, confi rming the member had suffered a left lower back strain, which took eight weeks to recover from. The employer admitted liability and settled for £2,000. CONTAMINATED WATER LEFT MEMBER WITH SICKNESS AND DIARRHOEA TYRE EXPLOSION CAUSES HEARING LOSS Following a training session at Tees Barrage International White Water Rafting Centre, an FBU member suffered from sickness and diarrhoea after ingesting contaminated water. Thompsons advised the client to An FBU member was exposed to loud noise causing subsequent hearing impairment when a tyre of a reject an initial offer of £1,100 put forward by the employing fi re and rescue service and Tees Active, and lorry unexpectedly exploded next to him when attending a call out. A medical report was obtained, which negotiated an improved out-of-court settlement fi gure of £3,000. confi rmed the member had minimal hearing loss but had developed tinnitus as a result of the incident. The supportive report was disclosed to the employing fi re and rescue services’ insurers who denied liability, as they stated his injury was not foreseeable. Court action was raised and a further expert report obtained by

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20304 FBU Section J Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 62 21/05/2020 11:53 20304 FBU Section J Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 63 21/05/2020 11:53 The member approached the manager assigned to act as his mentor, the deputy chief fi re offi cer, who was MEMBER PUT AT UNNECESSARY RISK WHEN ATTENDING HOUSE FIRE unable to provide any support. A week later he tendered his resignation, indicating this was for a number of both personal and professional reasons. The member decided not to expressly refer to his change in role An FBU member was sent into a burning building after a crew member had confi rmed the only occupant as the reason for his resignation as he did not feel it would make a difference and wanted to leave on the was deceased. While he was in the building attempting to tackle the roof fi re, the loft hatch collapsed under best terms possible. He did however refer to his line manager’s conduct as the reason for his resignation in the weight of the debris from the roof, falling on the member and injuring him. a subsequent email. It was alleged that the risk of sending the member into the burning building outweighed any potential The employing fi re and rescue service tried to argue that the member was performing poorly in their role benefi t. It was also alleged that the remaining fi re could have been fought using an aerial appliance. The and that his line manager was entitled to make the changes made. However, none of these issues had fi re authority denied liability on the basis that a dynamic risk assessment had been carried out and that the been raised with the member previously. In fact, the member’s most recent appraisal had been entirely incident commander considered the property structurally sound. positive. A claim was submitted for constructive dismissal and eventually settled through ACAS for £40,000, a sum that represented nearly all of the member’s losses. The trial was adjourned after the employing fi re and rescue service failed to disclose all relevant documentation, and despite only disclosing a few additional documents ahead of the re-listed trial, the employer applied to adjourn for a second time, claiming the incident commander was not available to SETTLEMENT SECURED FOLLOWING UNFAIR DISMISSAL attend. The court refused the application and the matter proceeded to trial. One witness gave evidence for the fi re and rescue service, but the judge found in favour of the member and he was awarded £6,300. Following 16 years of exemplary service, a station manager was disciplined and subsequently dismissed for alleged bullying and harassment. The matter was settled confi dentially following a three-day hearing, where the member was reinstated and the respondent employing fi re and rescue service agreed to a fi nancial MEMBER PUT IN INDUCED COMA RECEIVES £40,000 settlement. An FBU member was taking part in a heat training exercise when he removed his demand valve on the advice of an instructor, resulting in him inhaling excessive amounts of heated external air. The member was overcome with the heat and became very ill. He was treated at a specialist hospital where he was eventually J4 ACCIDENTS AT WORK placed into an induced coma. The member ultimately accepted an offer of £40,000 damages.

EMPLOYER PAYS OUT AFTER TRAINING DRILL INJURY WATER RESCUE TRAINING LEAVES MEMBER INJURED

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20304 FBU Section J Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 62 21/05/2020 11:53 20304 FBU Section J Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 63 21/05/2020 11:53 Thompsons on behalf of the member from an acoustic consultant, who confi rmed the levels of noise to An interim payment was secured for the member to undergo rehabilitation and pay for private prosthesis. which the member had been exposed. The defendants argued that the symptoms were not work-related. His rehabilitation had been poor and the experts in the case suggested he could make further However settlement was agreed for £6,000. improvements with good rehabilitation. A case manager was appointed and the member was able to purchase private prosthesis. He subsequently saw a signifi cant improvement in his pain levels and mobility which enhanced his everyday activities. Directions were made and the parties proceeded to secure all medical evidence. Ahead of joint statements of the experts and a trial in November 2019, the insurers J5 ASBESTOS EXPOSURE requested a settlement meeting. This was held at the beginning of May 2019, following which the claim fi nally settled for a seven fi gure sum. RETIRED FIREFIGHTER’S WIDOW RECEIVES SIX-FIGURE SETTLEMENT DOG WALKING ACCIDENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANT COMPENSATION An FBU member was employed as a fi refi ghter at Doncaster fi re station from 1970 to 1983 and then at Edlington fi re station from 1983 until he retired in 1999. He was exposed to high levels of asbestos dust While off-duty, an FBU member was out walking her dog when she tripped over a kerb near a new during the course of his employment when attending various fi res at premises that had roofs and walls housing development being built by Kier Homes. Despite this section of the development being considered made from asbestos products. He was also exposed to high levels of asbestos dust while carrying out “completed” by the developer, there was still ongoing building works and no street lighting. The kerb was breathing apparatus training in the heating tunnels under Doncaster fi re station, while cleaning and dry raised and not in line with the surrounding footway. Liability was eventually admitted and damages were sweeping the boiler house at Doncaster fi re station and while checking fi re blankets. secured in the sum of £12,500.

Tragically, the member developed mesothelioma as a result of the exposure and he died before his claim could be settled. The union continued to fund the case on behalf of his widow and after negotiation she RETIRED MEMBER SECURES SETTLEMENT FOLLOWING FALL received a gross settlement of £225,000. A retired and out of trade (ROOT) member fell while exiting a toilet cubicle, sustaining a minor head injury and short-lived soft tissue injuries to her right arm and ﬁ ngers. She also suffered psychological symptoms in the form of nervousness and anxiety for around six to nine months after the accident. She was subsequently diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) although this was not found be J6 PERSONAL INJURY as a result of the accident.

AMPUTATION FOLLOWING ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT The member was therefore considered to have reached full recovery from her physical injuries within three to four months, and from her psychological symptoms within three to six months, of the accident. Due to the short-lived nature of the symptoms, the claim could have easily settled within the minor injuries bracket, An FBU member sustained a below-knee amputation, following an off-duty road trafﬁ c accident. The which limits compensation to £2,150, but Thompsons were able to negotiate settlement at £3,500. member was riding a motorcycle when the defendant, driving a motor car (a hire vehicle) during a police chase, drove onto the wrong side of the road, at speed and collided with him. The defendant continued This case shows how important it is for members to continue their association with the FBU once they have driving and collided with a number of other vehicles. They eventually ploughed into the garden wall of left the ﬁ re and rescue service by becoming retired and out of trade members. a house and all four occupants of the vehicle decamped. A number of arrests were made and despite extensive investigations, including DNA samples, the police were unable to establish who the driver was and, as a consequence, no prosecution was ever brought.

Liability was denied and court proceedings were commenced against the defendant and his insurers. J7 ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS The insurers argued the member had provided insuffi cient evidence to establish the identity of the driver, although they accepted that the driver, whoever he was, had been negligent. They suggested that the driver’s negligence was not the sole cause of the accident and reserved the right to consider whether LORRY HITS FIREFIGHTER CYCLIST the police were at fault. They had also, prior to proceedings commencing, suggested that the delay of the ambulance in arriving at the scene may have contributed to the outcome. Once proceedings were An FBU member was injured while cycling to work when he struck a lorry turning left across a cycling lane commenced, that argument was dropped. in which the member was cycling. The lorry driver did not indicate his intention to turn and the member was therefore unable to avoid the collision. The cyclist sustained a number of soft tissue injuries as a result of Extensive enquiries were made of Kent Police and an application made for disclosure of all documents the accident. However, he also developed a signifi cant psychiatric disorder. As a result, he was unable to and reports the police had prepared during their investigation. Upon consideration of the evidence from continue in his employment with the fi re and rescue service and was retired on medical grounds. To date, the police, a draft application for summary judgment against the defendant was prepared. The material he has not been fi t to resume any form of employment. disclosed by the police overwhelmingly showed that the defendant was the driver of the relevant motor car at the time of the accident, that he had had the opportunity to take the car from the hirer as they shared a The lorry driver’s insurers refused to negotiate a settlement and it was necessary to commence court fl at, he had been identifi ed as the driver by two other passengers in the car at the time of the accident and proceedings. Thompsons attended a settlement meeting, but the other side refused to reach a suitable his DNA had been found in the car. The draft application for summary judgment was sent to the insurers compromise. The parties recently entered into further negotiations and satisfactory settlement terms were with an invitation that they concede liability, failing which the application would be lodged. Following receipt fi nally agreed, with Thompsons securing the member £775,000 in compensation. of that application, the insurers fi nally accepted that the defendant had been identifi ed correctly.

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20304 FBU Section J Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 64 21/05/2020 11:53 20304 FBU Section J Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 65 21/05/2020 11:53 Thompsons on behalf of the member from an acoustic consultant, who confi rmed the levels of noise to An interim payment was secured for the member to undergo rehabilitation and pay for private prosthesis. which the member had been exposed. The defendants argued that the symptoms were not work-related. His rehabilitation had been poor and the experts in the case suggested he could make further However settlement was agreed for £6,000. improvements with good rehabilitation. A case manager was appointed and the member was able to purchase private prosthesis. He subsequently saw a signifi cant improvement in his pain levels and mobility which enhanced his everyday activities. Directions were made and the parties proceeded to secure all medical evidence. Ahead of joint statements of the experts and a trial in November 2019, the insurers J5 ASBESTOS EXPOSURE requested a settlement meeting. This was held at the beginning of May 2019, following which the claim fi nally settled for a seven fi gure sum. RETIRED FIREFIGHTER’S WIDOW RECEIVES SIX-FIGURE SETTLEMENT DOG WALKING ACCIDENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANT COMPENSATION An FBU member was employed as a fi refi ghter at Doncaster fi re station from 1970 to 1983 and then at Edlington fi re station from 1983 until he retired in 1999. He was exposed to high levels of asbestos dust While off-duty, an FBU member was out walking her dog when she tripped over a kerb near a new during the course of his employment when attending various fi res at premises that had roofs and walls housing development being built by Kier Homes. Despite this section of the development being considered made from asbestos products. He was also exposed to high levels of asbestos dust while carrying out “completed” by the developer, there was still ongoing building works and no street lighting. The kerb was breathing apparatus training in the heating tunnels under Doncaster fi re station, while cleaning and dry raised and not in line with the surrounding footway. Liability was eventually admitted and damages were sweeping the boiler house at Doncaster fi re station and while checking fi re blankets. secured in the sum of £12,500.

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20304 FBU Section J Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 64 21/05/2020 11:53 20304 FBU Section J Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 65 21/05/2020 11:53 WORKSHOP ACCIDENT RESULTS IN BIKER’S EARLY RETIREMENT

An FBU member was riding his motorbike into a newly allocated staff parking area at Scarborough ﬁ re station. The member’s front wheel slipped on boards covering an inspection pit in the workshop, which, unbeknown to him, were covered in debris and oil. He fell onto his left side and medical evidence conﬁ rmed a one to two-year acceleration of onset Dupuytren’s syndrome in his left hand. He was subsequently ill- health retired. SECTION K

It was initially claimed the member was travelling too fast and should have taken more care; however, this was refuted by witness evidence from a colleague driving behind him. The employing ﬁ re and rescue ORGANISING AND MEMBERSHIP service then tried to argue that unrelated conditions affecting the member’s feet would have resulted in his early retirement anyway. There was some suggestion of this condition on his records, however medico-legal evidence found that the member would have been able to carry on employment despite this issue. The employer made an offer of £38,000 prior to trial, which the member accepted on our advice.

COURT PROCEEDINGS ISSUED TO ENSURE £75,000 IN COMPENSATION

An FBU member suffered an injury to his left eye following his involvement in a road traffi c accident. The other driver’s insurers refused to negotiate a settlement and therefore Thompsons commenced court K1 INTRODUCTION proceedings. Settlement terms were then agreed and the member was awarded a sum of £75,000. The FBU put more resources into organising this year, to renew the membership system and develop new offi cials. The union continued to recruit working fi refi ghters of all roles and all duty systems, retired and out DRIVER REQUIRES PHYSIOTHERAPY FOLLOWING REAR-END COLLISION of trade (ROOT), as well as non-operational staff.

An FBU member in Scotland was driving his van in heavy traffi c when he had to come to a sudden halt. The FBU members in Surrey began action short of a strike (ASOS) in a dispute about cuts and related matters. driver behind failed to react quickly and drove into the back of the van, causing soft tissue injuries to the There were ongoing issues in Hereford and Worcester and campaigning across a range of brigades. member’s neck, back and shoulder. He attended his GP for medical attention and underwent a course of physiotherapy. Thompsons negotiated compensation of £4,500. FBU industrial sections – in control, offi cers and retained – organised during the year (equality section reports are in section H). The task and fi nish group on organising continued its work. FBU membership fell slightly during the year.

K2 INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES

SURREY

On 19 November 2019 the FBU registered a trade dispute with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service over inadequate provision of frontline crewing and stafﬁ ng in control rooms, the casual out-duties guidance, the allocation of overtime, a bullying management culture, unsafe working practices and the 2019 IRMP (2019HOC0569MW).

On 10 December the FBU announced the ballot result of Surrey members, which saw a 94% “yes” vote for industrial action short of a strike on a 72% turnout.

In light of the ballot result the FBU and as the person authorized to make the call for industrial action, the called on all members (apart from any who had transferred into the employment of Surrey from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Authority in the course of the ballot period, to do the following on a continuous basis from 09.00 am on 24 December 2019: • A refusal to work any pre-arranged over-time • A refusal to work any additional voluntary hours for pay • A refusal to work any additional voluntary hours in exchange for time off in lieu • A refusal to agree any new Temporary Contracts for promotion • A refusal to Act Up to a higher role

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COURT PROCEEDINGS ISSUED TO ENSURE £75,000 IN COMPENSATION

K2 INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES

SURREY

On 10 December the FBU announced the ballot result of Surrey members, which saw a 94% “yes” vote for industrial action short of a strike on a 72% turnout.

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20304 FBU Section J Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 66 21/05/2020 11:53 20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 67 21/05/2020 11:53 • A refusal to undertake any variation to members’ usual contracted hours of work as defi ned by their • Recruitment practices duty rota, to cover staffi ng shortfalls, or to facilitate attendance at medicals, fi tness assessments or • 25 year and 40 year award identifi cation and implementation training courses • AIF • A refusal to transport Personal Protective Equipment or any other service owned equipment in • Making a success of workplace visits members’ private vehicles • The use of, and best practice around, social media in organising. • A refusal to crew Initial Response Vehicles (IRVs). Other sessions focussed on assessing the strength of the union in each workplace and prioritising activity through effective mapping. Organisers were encouraged to outline their experiences to identify and share best practice. K3 ORGANISING AND RECRUITMENT The second day of the seminar involved a series of round robin sessions. This proved very popular, with The organising task and fi nish group made signifi cant progress this year. The group consists of executive many brigade organisers commenting that this was their fi rst opportunity to attend head offi ce. The council members Pete Smith and Richard Jones and brigade organisers Seona Hart (Scotland) and Leoni organisers were given the opportunity to meet the membership department and discuss practical issues Munslow (London). relating to how they undertake organiser tasks with head offi ce.

A national presentation for trainee fi refi ghters (including control) was completed and rolled out to brigade A further session gave the facts around membership density, broken down by brigade and also shown as organisers through a series of sessions at head offi ce. The presentation is designed for brigade organisers a national statistic. Organisers discussed the importance of density and the practicalities of building it. FBU to give to new recruit/trainee courses. Its purpose is to give new recruits a full understanding of the head of education Lindsey McDowell collated feedback received and it is listed below: importance of joining the FBU. It has been designed following feedback from new recruits who gave experiences of their own initial recruitment sessions.

The presentation uses two videos to reinforce the importance of joining the FBU. The fi rst video is designed K5 CSNC SECTION REPORT to connect the work of a fi refi ghter with membership of the FBU. The second is designed to show the support that the FBU gives to members and families in times of greatest need. This year the FBU’s control staff national committee (CSNC) has continued to deal with issues that are important to our control members. The CSNC met twice with Incomes Data Research (IDR) to discuss the The presentation has been designed to avoid ‘death by PowerPoint’, which was a key point arising from ongoing research into control pay. A delegation from CSNC attended annual conference in May 2019 and the feedback of previous trainees. To do this, the presentation avoids repetitive bullet point graphics and recall conference in July 2019. instead uses striking graphics, bold text and single words to convey powerful themes. CSNC reps supported control members who were on duty for the Grenfell tragedy and those who The presentation comes with a detailed script to assist the organiser with context to the videos and more subsequently gave evidence to the inquiry. CSNC members joined the monthly silent walk in support of detail around the single words and graphics. In order to give organisers fl exibility, the presentation can be Grenfell victims and survivors on 14 November. amended to run from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the time available. Conference 2019 carried one resolution from the CSNC. This resolution dealt with the issue of training in fi re The presentation is accompanied by a membership pack for every attendee. The pack contains a number controls and, in particular, Fire Survival Guidance training. of items, the most important of which is the membership form. Clearly, the aim of the presentation is to sign 100% of the attendees. Brigade organisers have been encouraged to channel any feedback regarding the Following the release of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 1 Report, the CSNC met to prepare a contribution to presentation to head offi ce. assist the FBU’s national response, particularly on ‘Chapter 29: The Control Room’.

An online joining form is also in development, designed to meet the requirements of the rule book while The CSNC met four times in 2019: ensuring that potential members can apply online with more ease than in a written form. • 22-23 January • 24-25 April • 11-12 September • 13-15 November. K4 BRIGADE ORGANISERS SEMINAR The CSNC AGM was held at the November meeting and heard reports from regional representatives. A list of control regional reps is found in Section L. Reports of control staff participation at labour movement The brigade organisers’ seminar was held at head ofﬁ ce on 12-14 February 2019. It was chaired by Tam conferences is in Section F. McFarlane, national ofﬁ cer, with Lindsey McDowell as tutor. There were 24 participants. The seminar was well received and provided a good opportunity to receive feedback on the work of the ‘Brigade Organisers Task & Finish Group’. K6 RETAINED SECTION REPORT The overall aim of the seminar was to assist current organisers with building membership and workplace activity within the union. Practical sessions ran on building the role and organising within the workplace. During the year the FBU’s national retained committee (NRC) continued to campaign on behalf of the These sessions included input on: retained duty system (RDS) members. The committee submitted several reports to the executive to raise • Use of the membership system awareness of retained issues, including the growing trend of reduced crewing (riding three or fewer), • Direct debit transfer recruitment and retention, retained membership and the retaining fee.

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20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 68 21/05/2020 11:53 20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 69 21/05/2020 11:53 • A refusal to undertake any variation to members’ usual contracted hours of work as defi ned by their • Recruitment practices duty rota, to cover staffi ng shortfalls, or to facilitate attendance at medicals, fi tness assessments or • 25 year and 40 year award identifi cation and implementation training courses • AIF • A refusal to transport Personal Protective Equipment or any other service owned equipment in • Making a success of workplace visits members’ private vehicles • The use of, and best practice around, social media in organising. • A refusal to crew Initial Response Vehicles (IRVs). Other sessions focussed on assessing the strength of the union in each workplace and prioritising activity through effective mapping. Organisers were encouraged to outline their experiences to identify and share best practice. K3 ORGANISING AND RECRUITMENT The second day of the seminar involved a series of round robin sessions. This proved very popular, with The organising task and fi nish group made signifi cant progress this year. The group consists of executive many brigade organisers commenting that this was their fi rst opportunity to attend head offi ce. The council members Pete Smith and Richard Jones and brigade organisers Seona Hart (Scotland) and Leoni organisers were given the opportunity to meet the membership department and discuss practical issues Munslow (London). relating to how they undertake organiser tasks with head offi ce.

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20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 68 21/05/2020 11:53 20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 69 21/05/2020 11:53 At annual conference, the NRC submitted three resolutions, two of which were carried with the third being withdrawn to support another. The two carried resolutions were on the retaining fee and on recruitment and K8 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES organisation of the retained membership. On 14 September, an NRC delegation took part in the Grenfell silent walk. The FBU has negotiated some exclusive benefi ts for our members. These include: • Legal protection from Thompsons Solicitors The NRC attended the NFCC’s on-call practitioners and steering group meetings during the year. NRC • Home, travel, car and pet insurance from UIA Mutual offi cials are constantly having to remind participants of the role of the NJC and of the fact that the FBU is • Cycle insurance 15% discount from Velosure the recognised negotiating body for anything contractual, including pay and duty systems. • A health cash plan from BHSF • Up to 30% off brand new cars The NRC held four business meetings during the year at head offi ce in London: • Union prepaid plus card • 2 February • UnionRewards.com for online shopping • 29 June • Financial planning advice from Lighthouse • 14 September • 15% off Brook Hotels room bookings • 30 November. • Discounts on entertainment and more from Rewards for Rescue.

The NRC AGM was held prior to the November business meeting. A list of retained regional reps is found in Membership services continue to develop. Members indicate a high level of satisfaction with the products. Section L. The union advertised these to members through Roll Call, Fireﬁ ghter magazine and on our website. These services provide a small commission to the FBU, which is invested in the wider campaigning work.

K7 OFFICERS’ SECTION REPORT

During the last year the FBU Offi cers National Committee (ONC) has supported members on a range of offi cer issues and wider matters. FBU offi cer membership increased nationally through the work of the ONC. The union now has offi cer representatives in all but one region across the UK. However the committee still requires assistance from brigade, regional and sectional offi cials to achieve our goal of having a more diverse committee structure, representative of our offi cer membership.

During 2019 leading ONC offi cials represented members on the Middle Managers Negotiating Board (MMNB). The ONC made proposals to the MMNB with a view to making changes to Grey Book terms and conditions for fl exi-duty offi cers on working past the end of a shift, overtime on public holidays and recall to duty rates of pay. The impact of the Finance Act 2017 on fl exi-duty offi cers was suspended, but is due to go live on 6 April 2020. Many fi re and rescue services across the UK have changed their car schemes through pressure from FBU offi cer members. The ONC is campaigning for legislation to exempt offi cers from the unintended consequences of this law.

In March, the ONC delivered our ﬁ rst critical witness support development course, designed to support ofﬁ cers who may be called to give evidence at a public enquiry or court of law. To support and underpin its work, the ONC published its 2020-21 ONC strategic plan. During conference, the ONC remitted one resolution and withdrew the other.

The ONC met four times during the year: • 18 February in London • 10 June in York • 9 October in London • 19 December in London.

The ONC AGM was held at the December meeting. A list of offi cers’ regional reps is found in Section L. Reports of offi cers’ participation at labour movement conferences is in Section F. The report of offi cers’ seminar is in Section G.

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20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 70 21/05/2020 11:53 20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 71 21/05/2020 11:53 At annual conference, the NRC submitted three resolutions, two of which were carried with the third being withdrawn to support another. The two carried resolutions were on the retaining fee and on recruitment and K8 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES organisation of the retained membership. On 14 September, an NRC delegation took part in the Grenfell silent walk. The FBU has negotiated some exclusive benefi ts for our members. These include: • Legal protection from Thompsons Solicitors The NRC attended the NFCC’s on-call practitioners and steering group meetings during the year. NRC • Home, travel, car and pet insurance from UIA Mutual offi cials are constantly having to remind participants of the role of the NJC and of the fact that the FBU is • Cycle insurance 15% discount from Velosure the recognised negotiating body for anything contractual, including pay and duty systems. • A health cash plan from BHSF • Up to 30% off brand new cars The NRC held four business meetings during the year at head offi ce in London: • Union prepaid plus card • 2 February • UnionRewards.com for online shopping • 29 June • Financial planning advice from Lighthouse • 14 September • 15% off Brook Hotels room bookings • 30 November. • Discounts on entertainment and more from Rewards for Rescue.

K7 OFFICERS’ SECTION REPORT

The ONC met four times during the year: • 18 February in London • 10 June in York • 9 October in London • 19 December in London.

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20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 70 21/05/2020 11:53 20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 71 21/05/2020 11:53 K9 MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS STATISTICS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2019 No political levy Non-Grey Book Brigade name no affi Political levy Wholetime AIF – Yes Retained AIF – No Political Control Female Region Male Total Total Total Total levy STATISTICS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2019 liation No political levy Non-Grey Book Brigade name no affi Political levy Wholetime AIF – Yes Retained AIF – No Political Control Female Region Male Total Total Total Total levy 11 Berkshire 333 23 28 9 393 225 100 68 393 378 15 393 349 44 393 liation 11 Buckinghamshire 206 39 - 1 246 157 14 75 246 237 9 246 231 15 246 11 East Sussex 294 60 17 9 380 119 56 205 380 348 32 380 343 37 380 11 Hampshire 425 75 27 – 527 149 165 213 527 481 46 527 485 42 527 11 Isle of Wight 68 58 – – 126 55 46 25 126 126 – 126 121 5 126 11 Kent Head National 4 – – – 4 4 – – 4 4 – 4 4 – 4 590 196 17 4 807 348 151 308 807 781 26 807 753 54 807 offi ce offi cial 11 Oxfordshire 191 130 1 – 322 193 35 94 322 298 24 322 295 27 322 11 Surrey 417 33 18 – 468 311 113 44 468 460 8 468 437 31 468 Total 4 – – 4 4 – – 4 4 – 4 4 – 4 – 11 West Sussex 258 66 1 1 326 206 64 56 326 315 11 326 304 22 326 1 Scottish 3,225 1,004 157 1 4,387 3,469 148 770 4,387 4,235 152 4,387 4,011 376 4,387 Total 2,782 680 109 24 3,595 1,763 744 1,088 3,595 3,424 171 3,595 3,318 277 3,595 Total 3,225 1,004 157 1 4,387 3,469 148 770 4,387 4,235 152 4,387 4,011 376 4,387 12 Avon 395 91 32 – 518 213 201 104 518 454 64 518 466 52 518 2 Northern Ireland 798 694 55 – 1,547 188 611 748 1,547 1,513 34 1,547 1,445 102 1,547 12 Cornwall 177 151 16 1 345 97 134 114 345 335 10 345 326 19 345 12 Devon and Somerset 824 741 83 824 760 64 824 Total 798 694 55 – 1,547 188 611 748 1,547 1,513 34 1,547 1,445 102 1,547 468 326 30 – 824 301 160 363 12 Dorset and Wiltshire 348 190 18 3 559 206 231 122 559 524 35 559 516 43 559 3 Cleveland 283 50 14 2 349 55 222 72 349 319 30 349 315 34 349 12 Gloucestershire 116 35 9 – 160 60 37 63 160 153 7 160 123 37 160 3 Durham 263 63 18 1 345 170 134 41 345 309 36 345 314 31 345 Total 3 Northumberland 104 103 15 2 224 78 139 7 224 224 – 224 191 33 224 1,504 793 105 4 2,406 877 763 766 2,406 2,207 199 2,406 2,191 215 2,406 3 Tyne and Wear 524 9 20 – 553 97 313 143 553 535 18 553 499 54 553 Grand Total 25,057 6,504 948 155 32,664 16,908 9,495 6,261 32,664 30,915 1,749 32,664 29,852 2,812 32,664 Total 1,174 225 67 5 1,471 400 808 263 1,471 1,387 84 1,471 1,319 152 1,471 4 Humberside 422 136 27 13 598 340 188 70 598 544 54 598 539 59 598 4 North Yorkshire 230 101 7 5 343 152 76 115 343 306 37 343 319 24 343 4 South Yorkshire 499 41 19 8 567 97 381 89 567 539 28 567 511 56 567 4 West Yorkshire 794 35 14 9 852 282 257 313 852 783 69 852 793 59 852 Total 1,945 313 67 35 2,360 871 902 587 2,360 2,172 188 2,360 2,162 198 2,360 5 Cheshire 345 96 32 11 484 416 30 38 484 466 18 484 414 70 484 5 Cumbria 171 146 – – 317 182 67 68 317 284 33 317 292 25 317 5 GMC 1,235 – – 2 1,237 797 351 89 1,237 1,216 21 1,237 1,161 76 1,237 5 Isle of Man 27 52 – – 79 47 2 30 79 67 12 79 75 4 79 5 Lancashire 580 203 – 1 784 464 246 74 784 771 13 784 724 60 784 5 Merseyside 484 – 24 20 528 320 170 38 528 472 56 528 450 78 528 Total 2,842 497 56 34 3,429 2,226 866 337 3,429 3,276 153 3,429 3,116 313 3,429 6 Derbyshire 328 172 28 5 533 271 162 100 533 504 29 533 471 62 533 6 Leicestershire 298 55 9 – 362 186 115 61 362 353 9 362 341 21 362 6 Lincolnshire 166 248 16 4 434 313 69 52 434 417 17 434 386 48 434 6 Northamptonshire 171 30 4 – 205 43 133 29 205 200 5 205 187 18 205 6 Nottinghamshire 413 135 – 15 563 223 258 82 563 543 20 563 518 45 563 Total 1,376 640 57 24 2,097 1,036 737 324 2,097 2,017 80 2,097 1,903 194 2,097 7 Hereford and Worcester 173 73 15 2 263 164 25 74 263 248 15 263 229 34 263 7 Shropshire 135 64 11 1 211 84 59 68 211 196 15 211 194 17 211 7 Staffordshire 249 150 1 16 416 194 152 70 416 392 24 416 373 43 416 7 Warwickshire 164 27 12 – 203 54 48 101 203 189 14 203 176 27 203 7 West Midlands 1,103 – 48 – 1,151 517 471 163 1,151 1,036 115 1,151 1,011 140 1,151 Total 1,824 314 87 19 2,244 1,013 755 476 2,244 2,061 183 2,244 1,983 261 2,2440 8 Mid and West Wales 333 225 24 – 582 280 244 58 582 559 23 582 534 48 582 8 North Wales 237 317 26 4 584 326 190 68 584 573 11 584 512 72 584 8 South Wales 751 263 31 – 1,045 578 376 91 1,045 964 81 1,045 990 55 1,045 Total 1,321 805 81 4 2,211 1,184 810 217 2,211 2,096 115 2,211 2,036 175 2,211 9 Bedfordshire 232 43 14 4 293 121 119 53 293 271 22 293 257 36 293 9 Cambridgeshire 209 60 13 – 282 131 62 89 282 261 21 282 253 29 282 9 Essex 562 153 23 – 738 398 241 99 738 709 29 738 692 46 738 9 Hertfordshire 328 43 16 1 388 207 138 43 388 369 19 388 360 28 388 9 Norfolk 223 135 15 – 373 191 165 17 373 365 8 373 350 23 373 9 Suffolk 146 105 – – 251 145 82 24 251 230 21 251 234 17 251 Total 1,700 539 81 5 2,325 1,193 807 325 2,325 2,205 120 2,325 2,146 179 2,325 10 London 4,562 – 26 – 4,588 2,684 1,544 360 4,588 4,318 270 4,588 4,218 370 4,588 Total 4,562 – 26 – 4,588 2,684 1,544 360 4,588 4,318 270 4,588 4,218 370 4,588

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20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 72 21/05/2020 11:53 20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 73 21/05/2020 11:53 K9 MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS STATISTICS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2019 No political levy Non-Grey Book Brigade name no affi Political levy Wholetime AIF – Yes Retained AIF – No Political Control Female Region Male Total Total Total Total levy STATISTICS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2019 liation No political levy Non-Grey Book Brigade name no affi Political levy Wholetime AIF – Yes Retained AIF – No Political Control Female Region Male Total Total Total Total levy 11 Berkshire 333 23 28 9 393 225 100 68 393 378 15 393 349 44 393 liation 11 Buckinghamshire 206 39 - 1 246 157 14 75 246 237 9 246 231 15 246 11 East Sussex 294 60 17 9 380 119 56 205 380 348 32 380 343 37 380 11 Hampshire 425 75 27 – 527 149 165 213 527 481 46 527 485 42 527 11 Isle of Wight 68 58 – – 126 55 46 25 126 126 – 126 121 5 126 11 Kent Head National 4 – – – 4 4 – – 4 4 – 4 4 – 4 590 196 17 4 807 348 151 308 807 781 26 807 753 54 807 offi ce offi cial 11 Oxfordshire 191 130 1 – 322 193 35 94 322 298 24 322 295 27 322 11 Surrey 417 33 18 – 468 311 113 44 468 460 8 468 437 31 468 Total 4 – – 4 4 – – 4 4 – 4 4 – 4 – 11 West Sussex 258 66 1 1 326 206 64 56 326 315 11 326 304 22 326 1 Scottish 3,225 1,004 157 1 4,387 3,469 148 770 4,387 4,235 152 4,387 4,011 376 4,387 Total 2,782 680 109 24 3,595 1,763 744 1,088 3,595 3,424 171 3,595 3,318 277 3,595 Total 3,225 1,004 157 1 4,387 3,469 148 770 4,387 4,235 152 4,387 4,011 376 4,387 12 Avon 395 91 32 – 518 213 201 104 518 454 64 518 466 52 518 2 Northern Ireland 798 694 55 – 1,547 188 611 748 1,547 1,513 34 1,547 1,445 102 1,547 12 Cornwall 177 151 16 1 345 97 134 114 345 335 10 345 326 19 345 12 Devon and Somerset 824 741 83 824 760 64 824 Total 798 694 55 – 1,547 188 611 748 1,547 1,513 34 1,547 1,445 102 1,547 468 326 30 – 824 301 160 363 12 Dorset and Wiltshire 348 190 18 3 559 206 231 122 559 524 35 559 516 43 559 3 Cleveland 283 50 14 2 349 55 222 72 349 319 30 349 315 34 349 12 Gloucestershire 116 35 9 – 160 60 37 63 160 153 7 160 123 37 160 3 Durham 263 63 18 1 345 170 134 41 345 309 36 345 314 31 345 Total 3 Northumberland 104 103 15 2 224 78 139 7 224 224 – 224 191 33 224 1,504 793 105 4 2,406 877 763 766 2,406 2,207 199 2,406 2,191 215 2,406 3 Tyne and Wear 524 9 20 – 553 97 313 143 553 535 18 553 499 54 553 Grand Total 25,057 6,504 948 155 32,664 16,908 9,495 6,261 32,664 30,915 1,749 32,664 29,852 2,812 32,664 Total 1,174 225 67 5 1,471 400 808 263 1,471 1,387 84 1,471 1,319 152 1,471 4 Humberside 422 136 27 13 598 340 188 70 598 544 54 598 539 59 598 4 North Yorkshire 230 101 7 5 343 152 76 115 343 306 37 343 319 24 343 4 South Yorkshire 499 41 19 8 567 97 381 89 567 539 28 567 511 56 567 4 West Yorkshire 794 35 14 9 852 282 257 313 852 783 69 852 793 59 852 Total 1,945 313 67 35 2,360 871 902 587 2,360 2,172 188 2,360 2,162 198 2,360 5 Cheshire 345 96 32 11 484 416 30 38 484 466 18 484 414 70 484 5 Cumbria 171 146 – – 317 182 67 68 317 284 33 317 292 25 317 5 GMC 1,235 – – 2 1,237 797 351 89 1,237 1,216 21 1,237 1,161 76 1,237 5 Isle of Man 27 52 – – 79 47 2 30 79 67 12 79 75 4 79 5 Lancashire 580 203 – 1 784 464 246 74 784 771 13 784 724 60 784 5 Merseyside 484 – 24 20 528 320 170 38 528 472 56 528 450 78 528 Total 2,842 497 56 34 3,429 2,226 866 337 3,429 3,276 153 3,429 3,116 313 3,429 6 Derbyshire 328 172 28 5 533 271 162 100 533 504 29 533 471 62 533 6 Leicestershire 298 55 9 – 362 186 115 61 362 353 9 362 341 21 362 6 Lincolnshire 166 248 16 4 434 313 69 52 434 417 17 434 386 48 434 6 Northamptonshire 171 30 4 – 205 43 133 29 205 200 5 205 187 18 205 6 Nottinghamshire 413 135 – 15 563 223 258 82 563 543 20 563 518 45 563 Total 1,376 640 57 24 2,097 1,036 737 324 2,097 2,017 80 2,097 1,903 194 2,097 7 Hereford and Worcester 173 73 15 2 263 164 25 74 263 248 15 263 229 34 263 7 Shropshire 135 64 11 1 211 84 59 68 211 196 15 211 194 17 211 7 Staffordshire 249 150 1 16 416 194 152 70 416 392 24 416 373 43 416 7 Warwickshire 164 27 12 – 203 54 48 101 203 189 14 203 176 27 203 7 West Midlands 1,103 – 48 – 1,151 517 471 163 1,151 1,036 115 1,151 1,011 140 1,151 Total 1,824 314 87 19 2,244 1,013 755 476 2,244 2,061 183 2,244 1,983 261 2,2440 8 Mid and West Wales 333 225 24 – 582 280 244 58 582 559 23 582 534 48 582 8 North Wales 237 317 26 4 584 326 190 68 584 573 11 584 512 72 584 8 South Wales 751 263 31 – 1,045 578 376 91 1,045 964 81 1,045 990 55 1,045 Total 1,321 805 81 4 2,211 1,184 810 217 2,211 2,096 115 2,211 2,036 175 2,211 9 Bedfordshire 232 43 14 4 293 121 119 53 293 271 22 293 257 36 293 9 Cambridgeshire 209 60 13 – 282 131 62 89 282 261 21 282 253 29 282 9 Essex 562 153 23 – 738 398 241 99 738 709 29 738 692 46 738 9 Hertfordshire 328 43 16 1 388 207 138 43 388 369 19 388 360 28 388 9 Norfolk 223 135 15 – 373 191 165 17 373 365 8 373 350 23 373 9 Suffolk 146 105 – – 251 145 82 24 251 230 21 251 234 17 251 Total 1,700 539 81 5 2,325 1,193 807 325 2,325 2,205 120 2,325 2,146 179 2,325 10 London 4,562 – 26 – 4,588 2,684 1,544 360 4,588 4,318 270 4,588 4,218 370 4,588 Total 4,562 – 26 – 4,588 2,684 1,544 360 4,588 4,318 270 4,588 4,218 370 4,588

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20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 72 21/05/2020 11:53 20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 73 21/05/2020 11:53 SECTION L INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION

L1 INTRODUCTION

During 2019 the FBU organised a large number of elections, as part of the democratic renewal of the organisation. The executive council records our thanks to those who have served and welcomes those elected to represent our members.

The executive council met 38 times during the year. The fi nance and administration committee (FAC) monitored the fi nances of the union. The Firefi ghters 100 Lottery and Red Plaque project continued to fl ourish during the year.

L2 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS

17 January 2019 11 April 2019 20 June 2019 27 November 2019 24 January 2019 30 April 2019 10 July 2019 3 December 2019 24 January 2019 14 May 2019 31 July 2019 3 December 2019 25 January 2019 15 May 2019 3 September 2019 4 December 2019 5 February 2019 16 May 2019 17 September 2019 5 December 2019 6 February 2019 11 June 2019 18 September 2019 5 December 2019 7 February 2019 12 June 2019 9 October 2019 5 December 2019 19 February 2019 12 June 2019 10 October 2019 17 December 2019 6 March 2019 18 June 2019 14 October 2019 20 March 2019 19 June 2019 8 November 2019

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20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 74 21/05/2020 11:53 20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 75 21/05/2020 11:54 SECTION L INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION

L1 INTRODUCTION

L2 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS

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20304 FBU Section K Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 74 21/05/2020 11:53 20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 75 21/05/2020 11:54 L3 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ATTENDANCE RECORD L4 FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

POSSIBLE ACTUAL REASONS FOR The fi nance and administration committee (FAC) continued to review all current structures and practices of NON-ATTENDANCE the union, including education, resources, fi nances, research, publications and other communications, while ensuring the structures of the organisation are adequate to provide suffi cient support to offi cials and service Ian Murray 2 – Other Union Business 38 35 (President) 1 – Family Leave to members. Matt Wrack 38 35 3 – Other Union Business (General secretary) In 2019, the FAC met on the following occasions: • 18 January Andy Dark 38 37 1 – Other Union Business • 11 April (Assistant general secretary) • 24 October. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS Chris McGlone 38 35 2 – Annual Leave Membership of the FAC comprised the following offi cials in 2019: 1 – Excused Attendance under Matt Wrack Ben Selby Procedure Andy Dark Les Skarratts Jim Quinn 38 38 Ian Murray Grant Mayos Andy Noble 38 35 1 – Excused Attendance under Andy Noble Chris McGlone Procedure Jim Quinn Dave Green 1 – Annual Leave Pete Smith 38 38 Les Skarratts 38 38 Ben Selby 38 34 1 – Excused Attendance under L5 ELECTIONS Procedure 1 – Family Leave 2 – Compassionate Leave ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS Matt Lamb 38 38 Grant Mayos 15 15 Election of executive council member Scotland (region 1) Cerith Griffi ths 23 22 1 – Annual Leave Number of voting papers returned ...... 1406 Number of voting papers found to be invalid (blank/spoilt) ...... 4 Brian Hooper 38 38 Denise Christie ...... 672 Paul Embery 22 12 2 – Excused Attendance under Chris McGlone ...... 730 Procedure Certifi ed by Popularis Ltd 23 July 2019 8 – Suspended Chris McGlone elected to offi ce 23 July 2019 Steve White (acting) 1 1 David Shek 12 11 1 – Annual Leave Election of executive council member Wales (region 8) Richard Jones 38 36 1 – Other Leave Number of voting papers returned ...... 498 1 – Travel Difficulties Number of voting papers found to be invalid (blank/spoilt) ...... 4 Trevor French (acting) 30 28 1 – Annual Leave Cerith Griffi ths ...... 363 1 – Family Leave Grant Mayos ...... 131 Trevor French 8 8 Certifi ed by Popularis Ltd 22 May 2019 Cerith Griffi ths elected to offi ce 22 May 2019 NATIONAL OFFICERS Dave Green 38 33 2 – Other Union Business Election of executive council member London (region 10) 3 – Family Leave David Shek elected to offi ce 4 October 2019 Tam McFarlane 38 37 1 – Other Union Business Mark Rowe 8 8 Election of executive council member South West (region 12) Sean Starbuck 38 30 5 – Other Union Business Number of voting papers returned ...... 720 3 – Sick Leave Number of voting papers found to be invalid (blank/spoilt) ...... 3 Karen Adams ...... 272 Trevor French...... 445 Certifi ed by Popularis Ltd 15 November 2019 Trevor French elected to offi ce 15 November 2019

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20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 76 21/05/2020 11:54 20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 77 21/05/2020 11:54 ELECTION OF REGIONAL AND SECTIONAL SECRETARIES Election of regional treasurer Yorkshire and Humberside (region 4) Gavin Marshall elected to offi ce 10 April 2019 Election of regional secretary Northern Ireland (region 2) Steven Boyd re-elected to offi ce 14 January 2019 Election of regional treasurer North West (region 5) Number of voting papers returned ...... 665 Election of regional secretary Northern Ireland (region 2) Number of voting papers found to be invalid (blank/spoilt) ...... 0 Phil Millar elected to offi ce 2 May 2019 Andrew Fox-Hewitt ...... 421 John Muggleton ...... 244 Election of regional secretary Wales (region 8) Certifi ed by Popularis Ltd 18 March 2019 Arwel Roberts re-elected to offi ce 15 August 2019 Andrew Fox-Hewitt elected to offi ce 18 March 2019

Election of NWC national sectional secretary Election of regional treasurer West Midlands (region 7) Nicola Hobbs elected to ofﬁ ce 14 January 2019 Sasha Hitchins re-elected to ofﬁ ce 26 July 2019

Election of ONC national sectional secretary Election of regional treasurer London (region 10) Phil McDonald elected to offi ce 20 March 2019 Number of voting papers returned ...... 959 Number of voting papers found to be invalid (blank/spoilt) ...... 2 Jason Hunter ...... 541 ELECTION OF REGIONAL AND SECTIONAL CHAIRS Daniel Lawrie ...... 416 Certifi ed by Popularis Ltd 14 January 2019 Election of regional chair (elect) North East (region 3) Jason Hunter elected to offi ce 14 January 2019 Jim Bittlestone re-elected to offi ce 26 July 2019 Term of offi ce commenced on 1 November 2019 Election of regional treasurer South West (region 12) Val Hampshire re-elected to offi ce 14 January 2019 Election of regional chair Yorkshire and Humberside (region 4) Number of voting papers returned ...... 856 Number of voting papers found to be invalid (blank/spoilt) ...... 0 Neil Carbutt ...... 486 L6 REGIONAL OFFICES AND OFFICIALS Stephen Howley ...... 370 Certifi ed by Popularis Ltd 4 January 2019 Neil Carbutt elected to offi ce 4 January 2019

Election of regional chair South West (region 12) REGION 1 – SCOTLAND Guy Herrington re-elected to offi ce 20 March 2019 FBU Regional Offi ce Executive council member Election of LGBT national sectional chair 4th Floor Chris McGlone Yannick Dubois re-elected to offi ce 20 March 2019 52 St Enoch Square Regional secretary Glasgow Denise Christie Election of NWC national sectional chair G1 4AA Regional chair Louise Connell elected to offi ce 20 March 2019 Tel: 0141 221 2309 Brian Cameron Regional treasurer Seona Hart ELECTION OF REGIONAL TREASURERS

Election of regional treasurer Scotland (region 1) Number of voting papers returned ...... 1468 REGION 2 – NORTHERN IRELAND Number of voting papers found to be invalid (blank/spoilt) ...... 1 Seona Hart ...... 818 FBU Regional Offi ce Executive council member Ian Sim ...... 649 14 Bachelors Walk Jim Quinn Certifi ed by Popularis Ltd 11 April 2019 Lisburn Regional secretary Seona Hart elected to offi ce 11 April 2019 County Antrim Stephen Boyd (Jan-Mar) BT28 1XJ Phil Millar Election of regional treasurer Northern Ireland (region 2) Tel: 028 9266 4622 Regional chair David Nichol elected to offi ce 20 March 2019 Dermot Rooney Regional treasurer David Nichol

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20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 78 21/05/2020 11:54 20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 79 21/05/2020 11:54 ELECTION OF REGIONAL AND SECTIONAL SECRETARIES Election of regional treasurer Yorkshire and Humberside (region 4) Gavin Marshall elected to offi ce 10 April 2019 Election of regional secretary Northern Ireland (region 2) Steven Boyd re-elected to offi ce 14 January 2019 Election of regional treasurer North West (region 5) Number of voting papers returned ...... 665 Election of regional secretary Northern Ireland (region 2) Number of voting papers found to be invalid (blank/spoilt) ...... 0 Phil Millar elected to offi ce 2 May 2019 Andrew Fox-Hewitt ...... 421 John Muggleton ...... 244 Election of regional secretary Wales (region 8) Certifi ed by Popularis Ltd 18 March 2019 Arwel Roberts re-elected to offi ce 15 August 2019 Andrew Fox-Hewitt elected to offi ce 18 March 2019

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20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 78 21/05/2020 11:54 20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 79 21/05/2020 11:54 REGION 3 – NORTH EAST REGION 5 – NORTH WEST

FBU Regional Ofﬁ ce Executive council member FBU Regional Ofﬁ ce Executive council member 1 Carlton Court Andy Noble The Lighthouse Les Skarratts 5th Avenue Regional secretary Lower Mersey Street Regional secretary Team Valley Tony Curry Ellesmere Port Mark Rowe (Jan-Nov) Gateshead Regional chair Cheshire Regional chair NE11 0AZ Russ King (Jan-Oct) CH65 2AL Gary Keary Tel: 0191 487 4142 Jim Bittlestone Tel: 0151 357 4400 Regional treasurer Regional treasurer Steve Shelton (Jan-Mar) Dave Howe Andrew Fox-Hewitt

Brigades Brigade secretary Brigade chair Brigades Brigade secretary Brigade chair Cleveland Dave Howe Karl Wager Cheshire Andrew Fox-Hewitt John West Durham Jim Bittlestone Steve Hagar (Jan-Mar) Cumbria Edward Burrows Shane Parkinson Holly Ferguson (Apr-Dec) Greater Manchester Gary Keary Rob Grundy (Jan-Sept) Dave Welsh Ross Strother Northumberland Guy Tiffi n Steve Walker Isle of Man Peter Cain Ian Alder Tyne and Wear Russ King (Jan-Oct) Brian Harris Lancashire Kevin Wilkie Andrew Hewitson (Jan-Aug) Wayne Anderson Tom Cogley Merseyside Kevin Hughes Lee Hunter REGION 4 – YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE REGION 6 – EAST MIDLANDS FBU Regional Offi ce Executive council member 9 Marsh Street Pete Smith FBU Regional Offi ce Executive council member Rothwell Regional secretary 19-21 Musters Road Ben Selby Leeds Dave Williams West Bridgford Regional secretary LS26 0AG Regional chair Nottingham Adam Taylor Tel: 0113 288 7000 Neil Carbutt NG2 7PP Regional chair Regional treasurer Tel: 0115 981 7489 Marc Redford Gavin Marshall Regional treasurer Clare Hudson Brigades Brigade secretary Brigade chair Humberside Gavin Marshall Rob Vaux Brigades Brigade secretary Brigade chair North Yorkshire Steve Howley Adam Lee (Jan-Feb) Derbyshire Chris Tapp Tony Dempsey Edmund Billing Leicestershire Adam Taylor (Jan-Jun) Graham Vaux South Yorkshire Neil Carbutt Matt Nicholls Mark Drinkwater West Yorkshire Martyn Bairstow Mick Loney (Jan-Jun) Lincolnshire Richard Wright Simon Thomas Dave Gillian Northamptonshire Nick Ferrison (Jan-Jul) Mark Jones (Jan-Jul) Mark Jones Nick Ferrison Nottinghamshire Mark Stilwell Dean Gillam (Jan-Oct) Stephen Tucker

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20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 80 21/05/2020 11:54 20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 81 21/05/2020 11:54 REGION 7 – WEST MIDLANDS REGION 10 – LONDON

FBU Regional Offi ce Executive council member FBU Regional Offi ce Executive council member 195-197 Halesowen Road Matt Lamb John Horner Mews Paul Embery (Jan-Jul) Old Hill Regional secretary Frome Street Steve White (acting) West Midlands Andrew Scattergood Islington Dave Shek B64 6HE Regional chair London Regional secretary Tel: 01384 413633 Richard Williams N1 8PB Dave Shek (Jan-Oct) Regional treasurer Tel: 020 7359 3638 Jon Lambe (acting) Sasha Hitchins Regional chair Gareth Beeton Brigades Brigade secretary Brigade chair Regional treasurer Hereford and Worcester GarethTaylor Trevor Connolly Jason Hunter Shropshire Kent Hallihan Simon Morris Staffordshire Richard Williams Mark Tattum Warwickshire Stephen Rule Neil Stuart REGION 11 – SOUTH EAST West Midlands Steve Price-Hunt Sasha Hitchins FBU Regional Offi ce Executive council member Unit 11 Richard Jones REGION 8 – WALES Hunns Mere Way Regional secretary Woodingdean Joe Weir FBU Regional Offi ce Executive council member Brighton Regional chair 2nd Floor Grant Mayos (Jan-May) BN2 6AH Mark Simmons Hastings House Cerith Griffi ths Tel: 01273 309762 Regional treasurer Fitzalan Court Regional secretary Andy Petch Cardiff Cerith Griffi ths (Jan-May) CF24 0BL Arwel Roberts Brigades Brigade secretary Brigade chair Tel: 02920 496474 Regional chair Berkshire Steve Collins Paul Mortimer Alex Psaila Buckinghamshire Greg O’Neill Chris Wycherley Regional offi cial East Sussex Mark Brown (Jan-Sept) Simon Herbert Arwel Roberts (Jan-Aug) Steve Oakman Hampshire Gary Jackson Mark Chapman Brigades Brigade secretary Brigade chair Isle of Wight Spencer Cave Peter Mawhood Mid and West Wales Simon Jones Dieniol Lloyd Kent Mark Simmons Rob Sherwood (Jan-Jun) North Wales Duncan Stewart-Ball Blythe Roberts Rob Parkin South Wales Spencer Gray Steve Saunders Oxfordshire Josie Fullerton James Harris Surrey Lee Belsten Jamie Devey West Sussex Anthony Walker Mick Cambers REGION 9 – EASTERN

FBU Regional Ofﬁ ce Executive council member 28 Atlantic Square Brian Hooper Station Road Regional secretary Witham Riccardo la Torre Essex Regional chair CM8 2TL Cameron Matthews Tel: 01376 521521 Regional treasurer Mav Langdon

Brigades Brigade secretary Brigade chair Bedfordshire Mark Woodworth Mark Lee Cambridgeshire George White Martin Harding Essex Alan Chinn-Shaw Martyn Wager Hertfordshire Darren Scotchford Derek McLeod Norfolk Ben Jones Alan Jaye Suffolk Roy Humphries Phil Johnston

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FBU Regional Ofﬁ ce Executive council member CSNC NRC ONC 158 Muller Road Tam McFarlane (Jan-Jul) Secretary Lynda Rowan-O’Neill Peter Preston Simon Amos Horﬁ eld Trevor French Phil McDonald Bristol Regional secretary Chair Sandra Brown Paul Revill Mark Ames BS7 9RE Trevor French (Jan-Oct) Caroline Saunderson Tel: 0117 935 5132 Guy Herrington Region 1 Sandra Brown Tam Mitchell Phil McDonald Regional chair Region 2 Lynda Rowan-O’Neill Seamus McMahon Mark Watson Brent Thorley (Jan-Feb) Dermot McPoland Guy Herrington Rod O’Hare Regional treasurer Val Hampshire Region 3 Caroline Saunderson Andy Stubbings Vacant Region 4 Maggie Meszaros Sean Pickles Dave Collingwood Brigades Brigade secretary Brigade chair Region 5 Sherri Kitson Paul Farman Dave Topping Avon Gary Spindler Steve McGreavy Region 6 Dave Stanley Philip Williams Peter Trayner Cornwall Stuart Pulley Guy Herrington Devon and Somerset James Leslie Scott Young Region 7 Jane Gummery Vacant Bill Atwell Dorset and Wiltshire Karen Adams Kate Scott Region 8 Vacant Vacant Barrie Davies Gloucestershire Scott Turner Vacant Region 9 Harry Powell Mark Nevill Len Cleary Ben Gwyer Region 10 Stephanie Winter N/A Greg Ashman Region 11 Vacant Martyn Chate Marcus Reay EQUALITY SECTION REPRESENTATIVES Region 12 Kate Scott Chris Starkey Guy Herrington

B&EMM LGBT NWC Secretary Joseph Mendy Pat Carberry Nicola Hobbs OTHER REPRESENTATIVES Chair Cameron Matthews Yannick Dubois Louise Connell Education and learning Fairness at work Health and safety Region 1 Walid Thabet Nicola Morrow Colleen Murray Region 1 Ian McGregor Joseph Mendy Dave Hart Rachel Rogers Region 2 Phil Millar Rod O’Hare Dermot McPoland Region 2 Vacant Karen McDowell Jess Doran Region 3 Russ King Sarah Gartland Karl Wager Region 3 Gavin Meisuria Linzi Blake Holly Ferguson Region 4 Mick Thompson Dave Gillian Greg Tucker Region 4 Vacant Rebecca Savin Louise Connell George Peers Region 5 Leila Asoko Vacant Caroline Sturgess Region 5 Stuart Guy Steve Wiswell Ian Kennedy Region 6 Ronnie Stanley Maria Buck Clare Hudson Region 6 Laura Wilton Carina Peel Mark Hudson Region 7 Leon Johnson Stephen Riddell Louise Fletcher Stephen Tucker Sarah Turner Region 8 Vacant Vacant Becci Newton Region 7 Jane Gummery Jayne Mason Louise Fletcher Region 9 Tariq Khan Vacant Vacant Region 8 Hannah Lodder Andrew Hearne Simon Fleming Region 10 Karen Bell Vacant Kathryn Duncan Region 9 Martin Harding Peter Greeves Steve Kerridge Region 11 Vacant Jaye Kaye Robyn Richardson John Blakemore Region 12 Enrico Temple Sharon Lewis-King Diane Critchlow Region 10 Vacant Vacant Gareth Beeton Region 11 Jo Foot Lee Belsten Martin Hyndman Region 12 Vacant Vacant Dave Roberts B&EMM Vacant Vacant Gavin Meisuria CSNC Lynda Rowan-O’Neill Vacant Lynda Rowan-O’Neill LGBT Yannick Dubois Vacant Pat Carberry NRC Diane Critchlow Vacant Tam Mitchell NWC Vacant Vacant Clare Hudson ONC Vacant Vacant Greg Ashman

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Kevin Brown Executive council member region 5 The FBU’s political fund continues to be used to support campaigning political work, as well as some of the Steve Shelton Standing orders committee chair and regional treasurer region 5 union’s political education and international campaigning. The fi nancial resources in the political fund are used Stephen Boyd Regional secretary region 2 in all areas of political work to benefi t members by campaigning on their behalf at a local and national level. Russ King Regional chair region 3 Sandra Brown CSNC chair During the year conference made rule changes to meet the requirements of the Trade Union Act, which Andrew Hewitson Brigade chair Lancashire imposed a compulsory ‘opt-in’ for individuals into the political fund every fi ve years, affecting all union Derek MacLeod Brigade chair Hertfordshire campaigning funds, including political donations. Rob Sherwood Brigade chair Kent Mick Cambers Brigade chair West Sussex L11 COMMUNICATIONS REPORT

L8 FINAL APPEALS COMMITTEE The communications department is responsible for all external communications, campaigning and communicating with the media, members, key inﬂ uencers and the public. The department is responsible for Region/Section Name all national communications channels inclusive of the FBU website, social media – Facebook, twitter and YouTube, bi-monthly Fireﬁ ghter magazine, Rollcall, campaign resources, online content and media relations. 1 Denise Christie

2 Dermot Rooney Media coverage on Grenfell remained high in 2019, and continues to be a key theme for the union’s 3 Tony Curry reputation externally. At FBU Conference 2019, delegates mandated the union to initiate a national 4 Neil Carbutt campaign titled ‘Grenfell Never Again’, to pull together the campaigning demands of the union’s work 5 Mark Rowe in the inquiry and with the community. The campaign was launched on the second anniversary of the fi re, in partnership with the Daily Mirror, and received widespread national coverage in print, online and 6 Marc Redford among MPs and Parliament. The campaign’s demands formed the basis of a petition, which has amassed 7 Richard Williams nearly 13,000 signatures, through the TUC’s megaphone site. The campaign branding has been utilised 8 Cerith Griffi ths by members to show solidarity with the Grenfell community at silent walks and at other external events, 9 Riccardo la Torre including Durham Miners’ Gala and Tolpuddle. It has been a key tool for engaging with offi cials and other members, and formed part of education events for members. We have used the campaign demands to 10 Jason Hunter put political pressure on the government on specifi c areas of building and fi re safety, and have used the 11 Joe Weir campaign to engage with politicians at Labour and TUC conferences. 12 Guy Herrington B&EMM Joseph Mendy The communications team have prioritised the e-newsletter Rollcall, ensuring frequent and engaging ONC Phil McDonald content delivered straight to inboxes. In 2019, the subscription to Rollcall increased by nearly 3,000. In addition, and in the absence of a membership email system, we have created workaround solutions to NRC Paul Revill reach our members via email regarding ballots, both nationally and in Scotland, producing good online CSNC Lynda Rowan O’Neill turnouts. NWC Nicola Hobbs LGBT Pat Carberry Engagement has continued to increase on social media, gaining 5,000 new followers on Twitter in the past year. For the fi rst time, we have trialled social media adverts to increase engagement with members, notably to increase participation in the survey on contaminants, which secured more than 10,000 responses.

At the TUC Communications Awards, the union won ‘Best designed publication’ for the centenary L9 UNION TRUSTEES ceremony brochure ‘Celebrating 100 years of service’ and highly commended for Firefi ghter magazine in ‘Best membership communication – print journal’. The executive council wishes to place on record its appreciation to Stan Fitzsimmons and Mick Harper, both former presidents of the union, for continuing to serve as trustees of the union in accordance with the Firefi ghter magazine continues to be a key communications tool with members. Features in 2019 included provision of the rule book. the union’s successful pensions win, the impact of climate change internationally and in the UK, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, red plaque unveilings and research on contaminants with the University of Central Lancashire. Internationally, we interviewed Brendan Woodhouse, a fi refi ghter who works with an NGO rescuing refugees in the Mediterranean and supported Miguel Roldan, a Spanish fi refi ghter who faced prison time for doing the same humanitarian work.

The Firefi ghters Story, a fi lm to mark the FBU’s centenary in 2018, became available online late in the year, and has nearly 6,000 views. The fi lm has been used across the UK for recruiting new members.

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The research and policy department works to the priorities of annual conference and the executive council, The Firefi ghters 100 Lottery was set up to support fi refi ghters, bereaved families and the fi refi ghting under the direction of the general secretary and national offi cers. profession. The union commissioned an external lottery company, Gatherwell Ltd, to independently manage the sales of tickets, weekly draws and paying out prizes. Each lottery ticket has remained at £1, with at The department assisted elected offi cials with their interventions at Westminster (including the general least 50% going to support good causes, 20% for the weekly prize draw winner, 6% for second prize and election). This included providing the secretariat for the union’s parliamentary group, attending all-party 3% for third. This year the lottery maintained more than 5,000 average weekly ticket sales throughout the parliamentary groups on fi re matters, the production of the Fire and Rescue Service Matters bulletin and year. The prize structure was expanded to provide more winners for each draw. assisting with lobbies of MPs. The department assisted offi cials with the general election, which is subject to severe fi nancial and administrative burdens for trade unions. Since it was launched three years ago, the Firefi ghters 100 Lottery has raised more than £435,000 for good A major part of the department’s work involves drafting submissions to Westminster government causes. Over the same period it has paid out more than £250,000 in cash prizes to supporters – about consultations and Westminster legislation, including those on the building regulations, the Regulatory £1,500 a month. Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and other submissions (see Section D). The department also assisted FBU offi cials with submissions to the Scottish fi re and rescue service. It monitored developments on police and The Firefi ghters 100 Lottery is co-funding research into contaminants that can cause fi refi ghter cancers. crime commissioners and assisted local and regional offi cials tackling these issues (see Section E). The project was successfully piloted and launched nationally in the last year (see Section C). The lottery has continued to fund the commemorative plaques scheme to honour fi refi ghters who have died in The Grenfell Tower Inquiry (GTI) again made enormous demands on the union, its representatives and its action. During 2019 plaques were laid for fi refi ghters killed in the line of duty in Scotland, West Yorkshire, members during the year. The department assisted the general secretary and national offi cers with a range Cambridgeshire, London, Hampshire and Cornwall. of work, including the FBU’s response to the GTI’s phase 1 report, preparation for phase 2 of the inquiry (beginning in January 2020), coordination with the FBU’s legal team and assistance with briefi ng MPs (see Section E). L15 FBU ONLINE SHOP The research and policy department assisted national offi cers with health and safety work. The department assisted with the contaminants project at the pilot stage and with the roll out of the full survey. Similarly, the The offi cial FBU shop aims “to make available high-quality value for money offi cial FBU merchandise to our department assisted with commissioning the union’s work on fi refi ghters’ mental health (see Section C). members and supporters all year round”. Increased profi le and sales in the FBU shop also achieve benefi t for the good causes supported by the Firefi ghters100 fund, as FBU profi ts go to the fund. The offi cial FBU The research and policy department assisted leading elected FBU offi cials with interventions into the TUC shop is run by Kymera Embroidery, run by ex-fi refi ghter and FBU member Kym Napier. The union has Congress, Labour Party conference, the LGA conference and other major events. It also continued with worked with Kymera for several years, including the increasingly successful delivery of the FBU shop at the archives and records management project, aimed at improving head offi ce and regional offi ce record national conference. keeping, as well as the preservation of the union’s historic materials. The shop is under regular review and a number of changes have been made, driven by members’ feedback. These include the ability to pay for goods online via PayPal, a reassessment of postage and packaging costs, the introduction of new ranges and the introduction of online promotions around certain L13 RED PLAQUE PROJECT events such as Firefi ghters Memorial Day. A number of professional photoshoots to advertise the goods have also been undertaken, using FBU members within the context of a fi re station. The Red Plaque project was initiated by the FBU in 2017. The fi rst plaque, honouring the lives of London fi refi ghters Billy Faust and Adam Meere, was unveiled on 1 December 2017. The shop has achieved signifi cant success with a continued increase in sales throughout 2019. In addition, the union has been approached by UK sports fi rm Endura who have supplied high quality sports gear for The aims of the red plaque project are: sale in the shop as part of their solidarity and support to fi refi ghters. • For local fi refi ghters to better remember and honour the bravery and sacrifi ce of fi refi ghters who gave their lives in the line of duty • For bereaved families and relatives to know their loved one’s sacrifi ce is remembered • For local communities, elected representatives and passing visitors to remember the ultimate L16 TRADE UNION RELEASE AND CONDUCT OF SENIOR OFFICIALS sacrifi ce of fallen fi refi ghters or signifi cant incidents where fi refi ghters saved lives or property and by so doing refl ect on the dedication, commitment and sacrifi ces of fi refi ghters everywhere. The executive council discussed trade union release and conduct of senior offi cials of the FBU at its meeting on 31 July 2019. The executive council agreed the following statement, which was then issued as The project has proved highly successful to date, capturing the imagination and support of FBU members, an all members circular on 1 August (2019HOC0400MW): the families of those honoured and the wider fi re service community. As each plaque is unveiled, it creates interest in the project and generates further requests. The role of the union is highly appreciated by family members and FBU members alike. TRADE UNION RELEASE OF SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE FIRE BRIGADES UNION

To date, 18 red plaques have been laid with a further eight proposed. A dedicated page on the FBU The Executive Council did not believe that this statement should have been necessary. The principles set website is also under development. out in it are so self-evident that they should not have required to be set out in writing. Nevertheless, recent events have highlighted the need to reiterate some basic principles around which the Fire Brigades Union operates and the expectations that are made of senior ofﬁ cials of the union.

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20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 88 21/05/2020 11:54 20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 89 21/05/2020 11:54 The FBU is a Voluntary Organisation

The Fire Brigades Union is a voluntary and lay-led organisation. This means that the rule book only allows for fi ve offi cials employed by the union. The overwhelming majority of offi cials remain employed by their fi re and rescue service. As such the union has always relied on the voluntary activity of large numbers of offi cials. This work is overwhelmingly conducted outside of normal working time and depends on the demands of campaigning, negotiating and representing members. Without this voluntary effort by large numbers of voluntary lay offi cials across the organisation, the union could not function. SECTION M Trade Union Leave FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS The demands of trade union duties and activities on various offi cials within the FBU mean that employers agree to release some offi cials from normal fi re service duties. Some of this release is covered by statutory ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 rights, other areas may not be. There are various mechanisms by which release is organised; these may include a set number of hours up to full release. These arrangements have been under a great deal of attack in recent years in many fi re and rescue services, making it more diffi cult for FBU offi cials to be given the appropriate time at brigade level to represent and negotiate on behalf of members. National and Regional Arrangements M1 INTRODUCTION At national level (Executive Council members) and regional level (normally the Regional Secretary), it has sometimes become necessary to reach agreements with employers to pay reimbursement to the employer GENERAL SECRETARY’S AND NATIONAL TREASURER’S INTRODUCTION for the release of the relevant FBU offi cial. This is a costly process using money from FBU members’ union contributions. These issues have been debated several times at recent conferences and as a result, the Executive Council takes management of these costs and all related matters, extremely seriously. 2019 ACCOUNTS

Outside Employment or Paid Work by Senior FBU Offi cials In 2019 our total income was £10.93m (2018 – £10.95m) and our running costs £10.05m (2018 – £10.47m). This gave us an operating surplus of £877.5k (2018 – £481k), before actuarial pension adjustments. The The Executive Council is aware that due to the pressures of the cost of living and a decade long squeeze surplus after actuarial pension adjustments was £173.5k (2018 – £1.22m) and our general fund surplus has on real wages, some FBU members have had to undertake outside employment. The union campaigns increased to £2.45m (2018 – £2.01m). to improve pay and conditions so that such additional earning should not be necessary. Nevertheless, the policy set out here does not relate to the activities of non-offi cials. An adverse pension scheme actuarial adjustments of £704k (2018 – positive £744k) contributed to the reduction in the surplus of £173.5k (2018 – £1.22m). These adjustments are calculated using external factors This statement does not address the activities of offi cials of the union other than those set out below. completely out of our control and therefore cannot be forecast with any accuracy and do vary signifi cantly from year to year. To be clear, the policy set out here applies only to FBU offi cials who are on trade union release where the employer is reimbursed by the FBU. It applies to all members of the Executive Council and all Regional During 2019 our ordinary membership levels fell by 33 [0.001%] (2018 – 345, 1%) to 32,664 (2018 – 32,697). Secretaries. Membership income from contributions increased to £9.8m (2018 – £9.5m) due mainly to the increase in the contribution rates in 2019. None of these categories of FBU offi cial shall undertake any outside employment or paid work of any kind. Our running costs decreased by £417k (2018 – £511k increase) during 2019 and this was mainly due to If any doubt arises as to whether this policy applies, the matter should be raised with the General Secretary £721k (2018 – £230k loss) in the positive revaluation of investments. and President. Set out below is a chart which shows a breakdown of our expenditure for 2019. As you can see the bulk of our expenditure is in three areas, namely: staffi ng, running costs protecting our members’ interests, and member benefi ts. Lottery Other Premises £0.24m £0.15m £0.76m Expenditure £10.05m Staff & Officials £3.75m

Member Benefits £1.94m

Member Representation £3.21m

90 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2020 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 91

20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 90 21/05/2020 11:54 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 91 27/05/2020 15:48 The FBU is a Voluntary Organisation

Member Benefits £1.94m

Member Representation £3.21m

90 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2020 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 91

20304 FBU Section L Exec Council Rep 2020.indd 90 21/05/2020 11:54 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 91 27/05/2020 15:48 As a result of the overall surplus of £173.5k for 2019, our funds have now increased from £8.29m to GENERAL FUND BUDGET 2020 £8.47m. This is made up of the accident and injury fund £5.28m, political fund £580k, general fund £2.45m and the lottery fund £152k We have taken a prudent approach to the preparation of the 2020 budget by gaining increased knowledge from prior years positive outcomes against budgets. Whilst the 2020 budget is projecting a lower operating surplus than the prior year, this is to ensure the budget reﬂ ects the increased investment in member 7 YEAR TRENDS representation and support, whilst still contributing to the long term sustainability of the general fund.

Number of members The budget for 2020 is summarised below: 40000 £’000 Income Contributions 8,313 35000 Other 177 Total 8,490

30000 Expenditure Members beneﬁ ts and associated (note 1) 1,098 25000 Staff and ofﬁ cials 3,312 Member representation (note 2) 2,551 Premises (note 3) 599 20000 Other (note 4) 699 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Total 8,259

Operating surplus 231 Total funds £8.5M The Executive Council has recently taken action to reduce the adverse effect that the COVID-19 pandemic could potentially have on the Union. £7.5M Senior management have been tasked with ensuring that the key areas of need and risk are appropriately managed and funded. Early assessments indicate that membership levels will hold up, and that the £6.5M recent decisions made by the Executive Council to cease all travel, and delay elections, conferences and educational activities should ensure that the Union has sufﬁ cient working capital to enable it to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future, being a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing the £5.5M ﬁ nancial statements.

£4.5M 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

General Fund £6M Excluding pensions liability Net General Fund Pensions liability £4M

£2M

£0

-£2M

-£4M 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

92 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 93

20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 92 27/05/2020 15:48 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 93 27/05/2020 15:48 As a result of the overall surplus of £173.5k for 2019, our funds have now increased from £8.29m to GENERAL FUND BUDGET 2020 £8.47m. This is made up of the accident and injury fund £5.28m, political fund £580k, general fund £2.45m and the lottery fund £152k We have taken a prudent approach to the preparation of the 2020 budget by gaining increased knowledge from prior years positive outcomes against budgets. Whilst the 2020 budget is projecting a lower operating surplus than the prior year, this is to ensure the budget reﬂ ects the increased investment in member 7 YEAR TRENDS representation and support, whilst still contributing to the long term sustainability of the general fund.

Number of members The budget for 2020 is summarised below: 40000 £’000 Income Contributions 8,313 35000 Other 177 Total 8,490

£4.5M 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

General Fund £6M Excluding pensions liability Net General Fund Pensions liability £4M

£2M

£0

-£2M

-£4M 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

92 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 93

20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 92 27/05/2020 15:48 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 93 27/05/2020 15:48 Summary of fi nancial results of the last 5 years M2 ACCOUNTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Income STATEMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S RESPONSIBILITIES Contributions 9,762 9,540 9,576 9,890 10,338 ULF grants 728 978 1,279 979 764 The legislation relating to trade unions requires the union to submit a return for each calendar year to the Certifi cation Offi cer for Trade Unions and Employers’ Associations. This return contains accounts, which must Other 437 430 446 137 89 give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the union at the year end and of its transactions for the year 10,927 10,948 11,301 11,006 11,191 then ended. The accounts set out on the following pages have been prepared on the same basis and are Expenditure used to complete the return to the Certifi cation Offi cer for Trade Unions and Employers’ Associations. Members benefi ts (note 1) 1,764 1,569 1,587 1,957 1,826 Staff and offi cials 3,747 4,295 4,332 4,282 4,155 In relation to The Fire Brigades Union these requirements are the responsibility of the executive council. The accounts of the union have been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Member representation (note 2) 2,668 2,846 2,697 2,707 3,302 Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). In preparing the accounts Premises (note 3) 588 792 738 829 943 the executive council is required to: Other (note 4) 1,283 965 602 358 405 – Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. 10,050 10,467 9,956 10,133 10,631 – Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. – State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed. – Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to do so. Operating surplus 877 481 1,345 873 560 The executive council is responsible for keeping proper accounting records and establishing and maintaining Pension adjustments (704) 744 42 (1,959) (257) a satisfactory system of control over its records and transactions in order to comply with the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (Amended). It is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the union and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Overall result 173 1,225 1,387 (1,086) 303 The union is also responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and fi nancial information General fund 2,448 2,014 936 (225) 846 included on the union’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of Accident & injury fund 5,282 5,504 5,435 5,242 5,236 accounts may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Political fund 581 659 592 640 681 Lottery 152 113 102 20 – INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE FIRE BRIGADES UNION Total funds 8,463 8,290 7,065 5,677 6,763 OPINION

Notes: We have audited the fi nancial statements of The Fire Brigades Union (the ‘Union’) for the year ended 31 1 Includes the cost of ‘Firefi ghter’ December 2019 which comprise the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Statement of Financial Position, 2 Costs include conferences, affi liations, travel, mileage, hotels & subsistence, communications, print, the Statement of Changes in Equity, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the fi nancial statements, ballots, donations, campaign costs, advertising. including a summary of signifi cant accounting policies. The fi nancial reporting framework that has been applied 3 Includes depreciation. in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 “The 4 Includes professional fees, bank charges, audit and lottery good causes and prizes. Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the ﬁ nancial statements: – give a true and fair view of the state of the union’s affairs as at 31 December 2019 and of its result for the year then ended; Matt Wrack James Quinn – have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; General Secretary National Treasurer and – have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Date 20 May 2020 (Consolidation) Act 1992.

94 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 95

20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 94 27/05/2020 15:48 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 95 27/05/2020 15:48 Summary of fi nancial results of the last 5 years M2 ACCOUNTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Income STATEMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S RESPONSIBILITIES Contributions 9,762 9,540 9,576 9,890 10,338 ULF grants 728 978 1,279 979 764 The legislation relating to trade unions requires the union to submit a return for each calendar year to the Certifi cation Offi cer for Trade Unions and Employers’ Associations. This return contains accounts, which must Other 437 430 446 137 89 give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the union at the year end and of its transactions for the year 10,927 10,948 11,301 11,006 11,191 then ended. The accounts set out on the following pages have been prepared on the same basis and are Expenditure used to complete the return to the Certifi cation Offi cer for Trade Unions and Employers’ Associations. Members benefi ts (note 1) 1,764 1,569 1,587 1,957 1,826 Staff and offi cials 3,747 4,295 4,332 4,282 4,155 In relation to The Fire Brigades Union these requirements are the responsibility of the executive council. The accounts of the union have been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Member representation (note 2) 2,668 2,846 2,697 2,707 3,302 Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). In preparing the accounts Premises (note 3) 588 792 738 829 943 the executive council is required to: Other (note 4) 1,283 965 602 358 405 – Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. 10,050 10,467 9,956 10,133 10,631 – Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. – State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed. – Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to do so. Operating surplus 877 481 1,345 873 560 The executive council is responsible for keeping proper accounting records and establishing and maintaining Pension adjustments (704) 744 42 (1,959) (257) a satisfactory system of control over its records and transactions in order to comply with the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (Amended). It is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the union and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Overall result 173 1,225 1,387 (1,086) 303 The union is also responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and fi nancial information General fund 2,448 2,014 936 (225) 846 included on the union’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of Accident & injury fund 5,282 5,504 5,435 5,242 5,236 accounts may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Political fund 581 659 592 640 681 Lottery 152 113 102 20 – INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE FIRE BRIGADES UNION Total funds 8,463 8,290 7,065 5,677 6,763 OPINION

94 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 95

20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 94 27/05/2020 15:48 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 95 27/05/2020 15:48 USE OF OUR REPORT – The accounts are not in agreement with the books of account. – We have not received all the information and explanations we need for our audit. This report is made solely to the Fire Brigades Union, as a body, in accordance with the provisions of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. Our audit work has been undertaken so that We have nothing to report in this regard. we might state to the union those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the union as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BASIS FOR OPINION As explained more fully in the statement of the executive council’s responsibilities, the executive council is responsible for the preparation of the fi nancial statements and for being satisfi ed that they give a true We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and fair view, and for such internal control as the executive council determines is necessary to enable the and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s preparation of fi nancial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. responsibilities for the audit of the fi nancial statements section of our report. We are independent of the union in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the fi nancial statements in In preparing the fi nancial statements, the executive council is responsible for assessing the union’s ability the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfi lled our ethical responsibilities in accordance to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is suffi cient and appropriate going concern basis of accounting unless the executive council either intend to liquidate the union or to to provide a basis for our audit opinion. cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the fi nancial statements as a whole you where: are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that – the executive council’s use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the fi nancial includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an statements is not appropriate, or audit conducted in accordance with ISAs(UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. – the executive council has not disclosed in the fi nancial statements any identifi ed material uncertainties Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, that may cast signifi cant doubt about the union’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis they could reasonably be expected to infl uence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the fi nancial statements are these fi nancial statements. authorised for issue. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the fi nancial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Councils website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part OTHER INFORMATION of our auditor’s report.

The executive council is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the general secretary’s and national treasurer’s introduction, other than the ﬁ nancial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the ﬁ nancial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the fi nancial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information Gareth Jones (Senior Statutory Auditor) and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the fi nancial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we BDO LLP identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor whether there is a material misstatement in the fi nancial statements or a material misstatement of the other 150 Aldersgate Street information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement London EC1A 4AB of this other information, we are required to report that fact. Date 22 May 2020 We have nothing to report in this regard.

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION

We are required by the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 to report to you by exception in respect of the following matters, in our opinion: – A satisfactory system of control over transactions has not been maintained. – The union has not kept proper accounting records.

96 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 97

20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 96 27/05/2020 15:48 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 97 27/05/2020 15:48 USE OF OUR REPORT – The accounts are not in agreement with the books of account. – We have not received all the information and explanations we need for our audit. This report is made solely to the Fire Brigades Union, as a body, in accordance with the provisions of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. Our audit work has been undertaken so that We have nothing to report in this regard. we might state to the union those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the union as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BASIS FOR OPINION As explained more fully in the statement of the executive council’s responsibilities, the executive council is responsible for the preparation of the fi nancial statements and for being satisfi ed that they give a true We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and fair view, and for such internal control as the executive council determines is necessary to enable the and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s preparation of fi nancial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. responsibilities for the audit of the fi nancial statements section of our report. We are independent of the union in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the fi nancial statements in In preparing the fi nancial statements, the executive council is responsible for assessing the union’s ability the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfi lled our ethical responsibilities in accordance to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is suffi cient and appropriate going concern basis of accounting unless the executive council either intend to liquidate the union or to to provide a basis for our audit opinion. cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION

96 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 97

20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 96 27/05/2020 15:48 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 97 27/05/2020 15:48 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

For the year ended 31 December 2019 As at 31 December 2019

General Accident Political Lottery Union Note 2019 2018 Note fund and injury fund fund learning 2019 2018 £ £ fund fund Fixed Assets 7 1,971,128 1,947,460 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Income Contributions 1(i) 8,230,608 1,298,014 233,848 – – 9,762,470 9,539,795 Investments 8 5,921,985 4,458,059 Investment income 144,297 ––––144,297 107,107 Grants - – – – 727,808 727,808 978,149 Long term loans 9 32,416 42,223 Other income 16 2,597 – – 276,919 – 279,516 304,170 7,925,529 6,447,742 Commission received 7,035 ––––7,035 11,957 VAT recoverable 6,460 ––––6,460 6,623 Current assets 8,390,997 1,298,014 233,848 276,919 727,808 10,927,586 10,947,801 Debtors 10 489,719 400,389 Cash at bank and in hand 5,212,903 5,267,170 Expenditure Benefi ts 2 427,739 1,336,467–––1,764,206 1,406,873 Total current assets 5,702,622 5,667,559 Conferences 271,784 – 6,263 – – 278,047 366,250 Affi liations 152,109 – 48,125 – – 200,234 188,516 Current liabilities 11 (2,019,045) (1,459,644) 'Firefi ghter' 178,937 ––––178,937 162,603 Net current assets 3,683,577 4,207,915 Commissions 35,216 18,063 9,030 – – 62,309 49,850 Union learning costs - – – – 299,966 299,966 501,549 Total assets before pension liability 11,609,106 10,655,657 Staff and offi cials 3 3,079,098 165,000 75,353 – 427,842 3,747,293 3,720,561 Member representation 4 2,496,353 – 171,916 – – 2,668,269 2,241,612 Defi ned benefi t pension fund 12 Premises 5 587,689 ––––587,689 621,426 The Fire Brigades Union pension scheme Other expenditure 6 500,933 – 1,320 – – 502,253 600,140 (3,235,000) (2,688,000) Depreciation 1(b) 177,255 ––––177,255 170,196 The Fire Brigades Union retirement and death benefi ts scheme 89,000 322,000 Lottery good causes Net defi ned benefi t pension liability (3,146,000) (2,366,000) and prizes 16 - – – 237,561 – 237,561 266,684 Total assets after pension liability 8,463,106 8,289,657 Defi cit/(surplus) on disposal of fi xed assets 6,153––––6,153 (1,200) Surplus on disposal of Represented by: investments 8a (15,571) ––––(15,571) (48,519) (Surplus)/defi cit on revaluation General fund (excluding defi ned benefi t pension liability) 5,593,902 4,380,136 of quoted investments 8a (721,012) ––––(721,012) 229,851 Defi ned benefi t pension liability (3,146,000) (2,366,000) Defi cit on revaluation of unquoted investments 8b 10,548 ––––10,548 (82,560) General fund 2,447,902 2,014,136 Defi ned benefi t net interest cost 12 66,000 ––––66,000 73,000 Accident and injury fund 5,282,474 5,503,990 7,253,231 1,519,530 312,007 237,561 727,808 10,050,138 10,466,832 Political fund 580,479 658,638 Operating surplus (defi cit) Lottery 152,251 112,893 for the year 1,137,766 (221,516) (78,159) 39,358 – 877,449 480,969 Total funds 8,463,106 8,289,657

Other comprehensive Movement in the union’s funds are shown on page 100. income/(expense) Actuarial (loss)/gain on post employment beneﬁ t obligations (1,724,000) ––––(1,724,000) 1,380,000 Return on assets less net 611,000 ––––611,000 (830,000) interest M. Wrack – General Secretary Experience gains 409,000 ––––409,000 194,000 Total other comprehensive (expense)/income 12 (704,000) –––– (704,000) 744,000 Total comprehensive income/(expence) for the year 433,766 (221,516) (78,159) 39,358 – 173,449 1,224,969 I. Murray – President

Date 20 May 2020

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20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 98 27/05/2020 15:48 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 99 27/05/2020 15:48 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

For the year ended 31 December 2019 As at 31 December 2019

Date 20 May 2020

98 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 99

20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 98 27/05/2020 15:48 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 99 27/05/2020 15:48 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the year ended 31 December 2019 For the year ended 31 December 2019

General Accident Political Lottery Total 2019 2018 fund and Injury fund fund £ £ fund Cash fl ows arising from operating activities £ £ £ £ £ Total surplus on ordinary activities for the year (page 98) 877,449 480,969 Depreciation 177,255 170,196 At 31 December 2017 935,839 5,434,822 591,652 102,375 7,064,688 Defi cit/(surplus) on disposal of fi xed assets 6,153 (1,200) Surplus on disposal of investments (15,571) (48,519) Operating surplus for the year 334,297 69,168 66,986 10,518 480,969 (Surplus)/defi cit on revaluation of quoted investments (721,012) 229,851 Defi cit/(surplus) on revaluation of unquoted investments Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year 10,548 (82,560) Change in debtors Actuarial gains on post-employment benefi t (89,330) 234,885 obligations 1,380,000–––1,380,000 Change in creditors 559,401 346,880 Return on assets less net interest (830,000) – – – (830,000) Change in pension liability 76,000 94,000 Experience gains 194,000–––194,000 Cash fl ows arising from operating activities 880,893 1,424,502 744,000–––744,000 At 31 December 2018 2,014,136 5,503,990 658,638 112,893 8,289,657 Cash fl ows from investment activities Purchase of fi xed assets (222,910) (173,970) Operating surplus/(defi cit) for the year 1,137,766 (221,516) (78,159) 39,358 877,449 Proceeds from the sale of fi xed assets 15,834 1,200 Purchase of investments (1,203,059) (1,475,953) Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year Sale of investments 465,168 435,962 Actuarial losses on post-employment benefi t Repayment of mortgages 9,807 9,147 obligations (1,724,000) – – – (1,724,000) Net cash used in investment activities (935,160) (1,203,614) Return on assets less net interest 611,000–––611,000 Experience gains 409,000–––409,000 Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (54,267) 220,888 (704,000) – – – (704,000) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 5,267,170 5,046,282 At 31 December 2019 2,447,902 5,282,474 580,479 152,251 8,463,106 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 5,212,903 5,267,170

100 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 101

20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 100 27/05/2020 15:48 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 101 27/05/2020 15:48 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the year ended 31 December 2019 For the year ended 31 December 2019

100 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 101

20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 100 27/05/2020 15:48 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 101 27/05/2020 15:48 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

For the year ended 31 December 2019 For the year ended 31 December 2019

1 Accounting Policies (h) Value added tax (VAT) is only partially recoverable. The recoverable element is shown separately in the income (a) These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Financial statement. All expenditure is shown inclusive of VAT where applicable. Reporting Standard 102 (“FRS 102”). Income and expenditure is dealt with in the various fund accounts of the union. (i) Contributions include those amounts receivable from members in respect of the year under review.

At the date of approving these fi nancial statements, The Executive Council acknowledges that the COVID-19 (j) The union’s pension schemes are defi ned benefi t schemes. pandemic is creating signifi cant diffi culties in the worldwide economy. The amounts charged to the income and expenditure account are the current service costs. Remeasurement The obligation to prepare these fi nancial statements on a going concern basis has been considered by reference comprising of actuarial gains and losses and the return on scheme assets are recognised immediately in other to budgets, forecasts and projected cash fl ows, as well as potential opportunities in relation to the controlled comprehensive income. realisation of assets owned by the Union if required. In particular, the executive council has integrated the uncertainty surrounding the current COVID-19 pandemic within these budgets and forecasts for the year to 31 The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the union in separate trustee administered funds. December 2020 and beyond. Pension scheme assets are measured at fair value and liabilities are measured on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method and a discounted rate equivalent to the current rate of return on high quality corporate The Union operates in a sector whose members are employees of public body funded organisations and, bonds of equivalent currency and term to the scheme liabilities. as such, membership levels are expected to remain relatively static during the pandemic. In preparing the budgets and forecasts for 2020 and beyond, due consideration has been given to all potential outcomes of (k) Accident and injury fund contributions are recognised on an accrual basis in accordance with union rules. the pandemic (“stress tested”) and, after taking into account the recent decisions to cease all travel, and delay Provisions for expenditure are included in the accounts when there is certainty that a future payment will be elections, conferences and educational activities, the executive council believe that the Union has suffi cient made as at the balance sheet date. working capital to enable it to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future, being a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing these accounts. (l) All union learning fund grant income is recognised as and when the union is entitled to the monies and matched against relevant expenditure. The fi nancial statements do not include any adjustments that would be necessary if the forecasts are not achieved. (m) Lottery income and expenditure are recognised on an accrual basis and the funds carried forward will be spent on good causes as determined by the lottery distribution panel. (b) Fixed assets are initially recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fi xed assets, except for freehold land, on a straight line basis, at rates estimated to write off the cost or valuation of each asset over its (n) The preparation of fi nancial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires expected useful life. management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the accounting policies selected for use The rates used are: by the union. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions Buildings 2.50% and estimates are signifi cant to the consolidated fi nancial statements are disclosed below. Use of available Computer equipment 25% information and application of judgement are inherent in the formation of estimates. Actual outcomes in the Fixtures or fi ttings 10% or 20% future could differ from such estimates. In preparing these fi nancial statements, the union has made the Motor vehicles 25% following judgements: – Provisions for liabilities – provisions for liabilities included at the year end have been calculated using No depreciation is provided on freehold land. Where no information is available as to the allocation of the the best available knowledge at the time of preparing the fi nancial statements, adjusted for information original cost or valuation of property between land and buildings, best estimates of that allocation are used. subsequently received. An element of estimation is therefore required when calculating the provisions. (c) Rental payments in respect of operating leases are charged to the general fund income and expenditure – Investments – quoted investments are disclosed at mid market values at the Statement of Financial account in the period in which they are incurred. Assets held under fi nance leases and hire purchase contracts Position date. Unquoted investments are disclosed at their original cost or, where available, at their are capitalised and depreciated over the shorter period of the lease and the useful economic lives of the estimated current value as estimated by an independent third party. assets. The fi nance charges are allocated over the period of the lease and are charged to the income and – Defi ned benefi t pension schemes – the cost of each of the defi ned benefi t pension schemes is determined expenditure account. using an actuarial valuation. The actuarial valuation involves making assumptions about discount rates, future salary increases, mortality rates and future pension increases. Due to the complexity of the (d) Investments are stated in the balance sheet on the following basis: valuation, the underlying assumptions and the long term nature of these plans, such estimates are subject Quoted investments – at fair value, which is determined by reference to the quoted market price at the to signifi cant uncertainty. In determining the appropriate discount rate, management considers the interest year end date. rates of corporate bonds in the respective currency with at least AA rating, with extrapolated maturities Unquoted investments – at original cost or estimated current value as determined by either an corresponding to the expected duration of the defi ned benefi t obligation. The underlying bonds are further independent third party or board of the bank (Unity Trust Bank). reviewed for quality, and those having excessive credit spreads are removed from the population bonds on which the discount rate is based, on the basis that they do not represent high quality bonds. The Provision is made against investments where there is a permanent impairment in value. Income from the mortality rate is based on publicly available mortality tables for the specifi c country. Future salary increases investments is recognised when the monies are received. Movements in the fair value of investments are and pension increases are based on expected future infl ation rates. Further details are given in note 12.” included in the statement of comprehensive income.

(e) Members’ legal expenses are charged in these accounts net of reimbursements obtained in respect of certain cases, on an invoiced basis. No provision is made for outstanding legal costs not invoiced, or for reimbursements not received at the balance sheet date. All other income and expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.

(f) Provisions for future expenditure are included in the accounts, only where the union has a present obligation to meet such expenditure.

(g) Provision is only made for material corporation tax on investment income and capital gains arising in the year after relief given for provident beneﬁ ts paid. No provision is made for any potential corporation tax liabilities arising as a result of revaluations of the union’s properties or investments.

102 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 103

20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 102 27/05/2020 15:48 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 103 27/05/2020 15:48 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

For the year ended 31 December 2019 For the year ended 31 December 2019

(f) Provisions for future expenditure are included in the accounts, only where the union has a present obligation to meet such expenditure.

102 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 103

For the year ended 31 December 2019 For the year ended 31 December 2019

2019 2018 Land & Fixtures Motor Total £ £ buildings fi ttings & vehicles 2 Benefi ts equipment £ £ £ £ Legal fees 171,113 168,149 Education 256,626 218,150 7 Fixed assets Accident and injury claims 1,336,467 1,020,324 Payments for support - 250 Cost 1,764,206 1,406,873 1 January 2019 2,805,501 734,033 176,785 3,716,319 Additions – 147,179 75,731 222,910 3 Staff and offi cials Disposals – – (31,932) (31,932) Salaries and national insurance contributions 1,860,693 2,011,519 31 December 2019 2,805,501 881,212 220,584 3,907,297 Pension contributions 581,371 461,332 FRS102 pension scheme adjustment (note 12) 10,000 21,000 Depreciation Offi cials’ allowance 551,681 545,256 1 January 2019 1,184,637 507,040 77,182 1,768,859 PAYE agreement 3,878 6,184 Charge for the year 57,100 82,373 37,782 177,255 Trade union leave 739,670 675,270 Disposals – – (9,945) (9,945) 3,747,293 3,720,561 31 December 2019 1,241,737 589,413 105,019 1,936,169

4 Member representation Net book value Travel 284,905 309,481 31 December 2019 1,563,764 291,799 115,565 1,971,128 Mileage 308,090 345,557 Hotels 251,513 248,373 Net book value Subsistence and evening meals 351,416 347,703 31 December 2018 1,620,864 226,993 99,603 1,947,460 Motor expenses 23,080 5,253 Other organising expenses 10 24,178 Reports, journals and subscriptions 70,357 74,595 2019 2018 £ £ Ballot expenses 120,857 31,337 8 Investments Donations 217,480 70,897 Quoted equities and unit trusts (note 8a) 5,369,443 3,894,969 Goods for presentations and campaigning 109,740 69,050 Unquoted equities (note 8b) 552,542 563,090 Communications 735,883 484,716 Fair value of total investments 5,921,985 4,458,059 Printing and stationery 182,992 213,690 Advertising 11,946 16,782 a) Quoted equities and unit trusts 2019 2018 2,668,269 2,241,612 £ £ Market value at 1 January 3,894,969 3,036,310 5 Premises Additions at fair value 1,203,059 1,475,953 Repairs and renewals 33,758 67,409 Disposal proceeds (465,168) (435,962) Ofﬁ ce expenses 513,449 517,272 Change in fair value of investments Insurance 40,482 36,745

587,689 621,426 Realised surplus on sale of investments 15,571 48,519 Surplus/(loss) on revaluation of ﬁ nancial assets to fair value 721,012 (229,851) 6 Other expenditure Bank charges and interest payable 19,607 30,537 Market value at 31 December 5,369,443 3,894,969 Audit, pension audit and accountancy 53,320 44,000 Professional fees 429,326 525,603 Historical cost at 31 December 3,425,282 3,671,820 502,253 600,140

104 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 105

20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 104 27/05/2020 15:48 20304 FBU Section M Exec Council Rep 2020 GB 21st May.indd 105 27/05/2020 15:48 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

For the year ended 31 December 2019 For the year ended 31 December 2019

104 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 105

For the year ended 31 December 2019 For the year ended 31 December 2019

8 Investments (continued) 12 Deﬁ ned beneﬁ t pension fund

All investments related to quoted investments on readily accessible markets, primarily the London Stock Exchange. The union operates two defi ned benefi t pension schemes in the United Kingdom. Investment are carried at fair value, being the market value at the year end. Asset sales and purchases are 1. The Fire Brigades Union pension scheme. recognised at their transaction value. The main investment risk lies in the combination of uncertain investment 2. The Fire Brigades Union retirement and death benefi ts scheme. markets and volatility in yield. The union manages these risks by retaining expert advisors. 2019 2018 b) Unquoted equities £’000 £’000 Unquoted shares held by the union at the year end are broken down as follows: The Fire Brigades Union pension scheme 235,500 Unity Trust Bank plc “A” ordinary shares. 530 Labour Education, Rec. And Holiday Homes Ltd shares held at cost of £1/share. Opening balance (2,688) (3,097) Current service cost (210) (235) 2019 2018 £ £ Administration expenses (102) (123) Market value at 1 January 563,090 480,530 Contributions by the union 304 352 (Defi cit)/surplus on revaluation of fi nancial assets to fair value (10,548) 82,560 Total service cost (8) (6) Net interest cost (75) (74) Market value at 31 December 552,542 563,090 Actuarial gain/(loss) (464) 489 Closing balance (3,235) (2,688) Historical cost at 31 December 240,530 240,530

No provision for permanent impairment in value of investments is considered necessary. The Fire Brigades Union retirement and death beneﬁ ts scheme Opening balance 322 81 9 Long-term loans 2019 2018 Current service cost (147) (146) £ £ Administration expenses (14) (19) Contributions by the union 159 150 Mortgages repayable 9,381 19,188 Total service cost (2) (15) Loans – co-op societies Net interest credit 9 1 CRS London Ltd. 35 35 Actuarial (loss)/gain (240) 255 People’s Press Printing Society Ltd. 20,000 20,000 Closing balance 89 322 Loans Scottish TUC 3,000 3,000 32,416 42,223 Both schemes Opening balance (2,366) (3,016) The mortgage loans to ofﬁ cials are secured by a charge on the property. Current service cost (357) (381) Administration expenses (116) (142) 2019 2018 Contributions by the union £ £ 463 502 10 Debtors Total service cost (10) (21) Trade debtors 101,529 56,915 Net interest cost (66) (73) Other debtors 70,134 130,815 Actuarial (loss)/gain (704) 744 Prepayments 318,056 212,659 Closing balance (3,146) (2,366) 489,719 400,389

2019 2018 £ £ 11 Current liabilities Trade creditors 569,312 242,773 Other creditors 57,855 11,850 Accruals 1,391,878 1,205,021 2,019,045 1,459,644

106 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 107

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For the year ended 31 December 2019 For the year ended 31 December 2019

8 Investments (continued) 12 Deﬁ ned beneﬁ t pension fund

2019 2018 £ £ 11 Current liabilities Trade creditors 569,312 242,773 Other creditors 57,855 11,850 Accruals 1,391,878 1,205,021 2,019,045 1,459,644

106 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 107

For the year ended 31 December 2019 For the year ended 31 December 2019

12 Defi ned benefi t pension fund (continued) 12 Defi ned benefi t pension fund (continued)

The major assumptions used by the actuary for The Fire Brigades Union retirement and death beneﬁ ts scheme. The amounts recognised in the statement of ﬁ nancial position are as follows:

At At 2019 2019 2019 2018 2018 2018 31.12.2019 31.12.2018 FBU FBU FBU FBU Rate of increase in salaries 1.5% 1.5% RDB* pension Total RDB pension Total scheme scheme scheme scheme Allowance for revaluation of deferred pensions of CPI or 5% p.a. if less 2.2% 2.3% £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 Allowance for pension in payment increases of RPI or 5% if less 3.0% 3.3% Allowance for pension in payment increases of CPI or 5% if less 2.2% 2.3% Present value of defi ned benefi t obligation (9,518) (10,069) (19,587) (9,115) (8,835) (17,950) Discount rate 2.0% 2.8% Fair value of scheme assets 9,607 6,834 16,441 9,437 6,147 15,584 Infl ation rate (RPI) 2.9% 3.3% Net asset/(liability) recognised 89 (3,235) (3,146) 322 (2,688) (2,366) Infl ation rate (CPI) 2.3% 2.3%

The mortality assumptions are in accordance with CMI 2018 (1.25%).

The assets in the scheme and the expected rate of return for The Fire Brigades Union retirement and death beneﬁ ts The amounts recognised in the income and expenditure account are as follows: scheme. Service costs 147 210 357 146 235 381 % of total Value at % of total Value at Administration expenses 14 102 116 19 123 142 Scheme 31.12.2019 Scheme 31.12.2018 assets assets Net interest (credit)/charge (9) 75 66 (1) 74 73 £’000 £’000 Total recognised 152 387 539 164 432 596

With proﬁ ts fund 49% 4,697 47% 4,410 Actual return on scheme assets 321 724 1,045 (278) (163) (441) Secured annuities 51% 4,910 53% 5,027 Total market value of assets 9,607 9,437 The amounts recognised in other comprehensive income:

The major assumptions used by the actuary for The Fire Brigades Union pension scheme. Actuarial (losses)/gains (708) (1,016) (1,724) 578 802 1,380 At At Return on assets less net interest 59 552 611 (517) (313) (830) 31.12.2019 31.12.2018 Experience gains arising on the Rate of increase in salaries 2.0% 2.2% plan liabilities 409 – 409 194 – 194 Rate of increase for deferred pensioners 2.0% 2.2% Total recognised 240 (464) (704) 255 489 744 Rate of increase of pensions in payment 2.7% 3.1%

The mortality assumptions are in accordance with the S2PA CMI 2018 (1.25%).

* Retirement and death beneﬁ ts The assets in the scheme and the expected rate of return for The Fire Brigades Union pension scheme.

% of total Value at % of total Value at Scheme 31.12.2019 Scheme 31.12.2018 assets assets £’000 £’000

Cash 0% 33 1% 69 Annuities 50% 3,389 51% 3,139 Cash accumulation policy 10% 666 13% 770 Funds 40% 2,746 35% 2,169 Total market value of assets 6,834 6,147

108 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 FBU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S REPORT 2019 109

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